A SAGA which began with martial arts manoeuvres continued yesterday with something closer to Chinese water torture as coach Jason Taylor's fight to keep his job entered its 10th day. But it is expected to have some closure on its 11th.
After meeting Taylor yesterday, the South Sydney board is almost certain to hand down a decision on the future of the coach this afternoon.
"This is a matter which the board are taking very seriously and it won't be rushed into any decision," Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said. "The club has followed due process through all of its investigations and deliberations, and we expect to announce a decision tomorrow afternoon."
Taylor met board members in the city offices of chairman Nick Pappas, where the former halfback was given the opportunity to personally press his case for a reprieve following his altercation with second-rower David Fa'alogo during end-of-season celebrations.
The defensive nature of the statement is no doubt related to the lengthy nature of the process, even after Richardson promised last Tuesday week ''decisive action once we know the full facts of what happened''. After Taylor met directors for about half-an-hour, Richardson and Pappas flew to co-owner Russell Crowe's property near Coffs Harbour with NRL chief executive David Gallop, although Rabbitohs officials have stressed the meeting between the Hollywood actor and administrators was scheduled well before the club's latest dramas.
The fact Taylor was allowed to meet board members, which he had pleaded to do, might suggest there has been a slight softening in the stance against the coach, who has maintained through his legal team that he had done nothing wrong.
''That matter's ongoing,'' was all Taylor's manager Wayne Beavis would say yesterday.
In Taylor's response to a breach notice, his legal team maintained the coach had support from the playing group, and that backing was extended yesterday to former players, who said Taylor should not be sacked while urging the club to act swiftly.
''If there's a problem, it's got to be dealt with,'' legendary Rabbitoh John Sattler said. ''They all seem to be against the coach, and he probably shouldn't have been there [at Mad Monday drinks]. But he's four-stone ringing wet. I'd just like to see it dropped so we can get on with life. Football's the name of the game, not who pokes someone in the belly.
''What's the game coming to?''
Former Rabbitohs president George Piggins admitted he ''felt sorry'' for Taylor. ''I think he's been harshly treated,'' he said.
The club isn't short of candidates to replace Taylor, with former premiership-winning coach John Lang on staff as football manager, although Kiwi mentor Stephen Kearney has ruled himself out of the position. His fellow Melbourne assistant Michael Maguire would likely be in the running, along with former Cowboys coach Graham Murray.
One of the original contenders to replace Taylor should he be sacked, former Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes, started work this week with Wests Tigers as the club's new strength and conditioning coach.
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