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Eales to return as a selector
By Peter Jenkins
February 3, 2006
WALLABIES legend John Eales could return to the game as a Test selector under a new-look regime to be headed up by his former state coach John Connolly.
The Daily Telegraph was told last night Eales could be sounded out for the role with a three-man panel likely to be appointed. Connolly and one of his new assistant coaches will fill two positions. An independent selector not involved directly with the team will round out the committee.
Former Wallabies centre Tim Horan was the third selector under previous coach Eddie Jones but there are key figures on the Australian Rugby Union concerned about possible conflict with his newspaper column and television commentary duties.
It is also understood the ARU, after consultation with Connolly, is keen to have a former leading player on tour with the Wallabies as an away-from-home mentor.
Respected ex-All Blacks skipper Brian Lochore is a mentor and selector for New Zealand. But with the ARU recognising time demands are a potential problem, the mentoring role with the Australian team could be shared between past greats.
While the announcement of assistant coaches has been delayed, the positions have been filled. Scott Johnson will run the backline as the attack coach, Michael Foley will be scrum, lineout and restarts coach, and John Muggleton stays on as defence coach.
Muggleton and team manager Phil Thomson are the high-profile survivors from the staff under Eddie Jones' control.
I think the idea of a mentor is a fantastic idea and would go along way to help the younger players on tour.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa