PARRAMATTA officials are so confident in coach Steve Kearney's ability to return the club to the glory days that they are already in talks to extend his contract, possibly until the end of 2016. The Eels narrowly avoided the wooden spoon in Kearney's NRL debut with the clipboard and already have the New Zealand mentor under lock and key until the end of next season. However, after churning through Brian Smith, interim coach Jason Taylor, Michael Hagan and Daniel Anderson in quick succession, there's a call for stability at the club. New Eels chief executive Bob Bentley revealed he had already held ''initial talks'' with Kearney about extending his stay. ''The board and the management feel we've got a great coach in Steve, he's going to be one of the next big things,'' Bentley said. ''He's not there yet but he certainly has the potential to be a [Wayne] Bennett or a [Craig] Bellamy, those sort of people. He's obviously working hard to get to that level and that will mean success for us. We want to be able to keep him as long as he can.'' Asked about the length of the potential extension, Bentley said: ''I haven't spoken to Steve about what's in his head, but in terms of the platform we're putting in, we're looking at [extending] two to three years, that type of timeframe.'' Having finally enjoyed a period of stability at board level, the Eels aim to replicate that with their coaching and management staff. The latest development is a huge vote of confidence in Kearney after a disappointing 2011. ''Everyone who knows Steve knows he has the right style, he's focused, he knows footy,'' Bentley said. ''We really just haven't had the playing list for him to deliver those results and put his structures and stamp on the team in terms of the way Parramatta plays the game. That takes time, you can't change things overnight. He's got the capability, he just needs the right players with the right attitude to get us over the line.'' COMEBACK ON CARDS
WHICH retired NRL star could be making a comeback? There are two clubs trying to bring back the crowd favourite and one is getting close. Watch this space … Tigers sign one more Marshall
BENJI MARSHALL'S youngest brother, Jeremy, has signed with the Wests Tigers, making him the third Marshall to do so. There are high hopes for latest recruit Jeremy, 16, who will join Benji and under-20s playmaker Jordan at the joint-venture club.
''They're doing great,'' Benji said. ''My youngest brother, Jeremy, is at Hills Sports High School under the influence of Mark Horo. He's come to the Tigers under a scholarship and he's doing very well.
''I watched [Jordan] play last weekend in a trial and he scored a hat-trick. They've both got the talent to do it, it comes down to hard work.'' DWIGHT CAN ENTERTAIN
WHEN Sydney FC mutually agreed to part company with coach Vitezslav Lavicka at the end of the season, club officials stressed they were overseeing an entertainment as much as football business. So, as they begin a worldwide search for a replacement, can we humbly put forward one of this sporting city's favourites, Dwight Yorke, for the post? We were unable to get a hold of ''All Night'' Dwight's manager, and Sydney FC chief executive Dirk Melton was giving little away. ''He's a favourite of the club, a favourite of the fans, an absolute professional and highly regarded by all,'' Melton said. ''In regards to coaching, that's something we're not prepared to talk about on the basis of his growing success in the media.''
BUZZ AROUND BUGDEN
THERE was a familiar name on the Parramatta team list set to play in under-20s trial against Wests Tigers at Gosford last night. Will Bugden is the son of Eels premiership-winning prop Geoff. ALL BETS ARE OFF
BEFORE taking on Sonny Bill Williams, powder-puff opponent Clarence Tillman boasted that he would visit a TAB to place a $1000 bet on himself to knock out the former Bulldog. Mercifully, the TAB wasn't taking wagers on the ''fight'', so at least Tillman's wallet didn't cop a pounding as well. SIXERS FROM THE START
WANT to see where it all started for the Sydney Sixers? Tune into Cricket Superstar this Wednesday on Fox8 for the men in magenta's first-ever game in team colours, against the Cricket Superstar squad. Captained by veteran Dom Thornely, this was the start of the Sixers' winning formula, with the team only dropping two games since. ''I think it was the point we realised we finally had a team and were a part of the Big Bash League,'' Thornely said. ''Maybe it was the perfect start for us … a win at Bradman Oval … I even got some sledging practice in, it had been a while!'' SEA EAGLES GO DIGITAL
THE free newspaper available at Manly games, Sea Eagles News, has folded after more than a decade. However, Sea Eagles boss David Perry has promised more interaction with fans through digital media, including Twitter and Facebook. GORDON BACKED
MICHAEL GORDON had received interest from Gold Coast last year, but his manager, Andrew Purcell, stressed that the Penrith star was committed to the Panthers for this season - regardless of what number he'll be wearing on his back. BILLION SMILES FOR NRL
FINALLY, we have ourselves an independent commission for rugby league. No.1 on the to-do list is to negotiate a new TV broadcast rights deal. But what is the dang thing worth? Sportsbet.com.au have framed the following market:
- $2.50 $1billion or more
- $4.00 Between $951m and $1bn
- $4.00 Less than $800m
- $4.50 Between $901m and $950m
- $6.00 Between $851m and $900m
- $9.00 Between $800 m and $850m
'' It looks as though the NRL will get that magical $1 billion mark,'' said sportsbet.com.au's Ben Hawes. ELIAS ON THE OUTER
GEORGE ELIAS, the brother of notorious former league star John, is running for the Bulldogs board when elections get under way this morning. But given the incumbent directors recruited Des Hasler and made good on their promise to return to Belmore, they are all likely to retain their spots.
Danny Weidler returns next week
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