‘No issue’ with Sandow weight: Kearney

Recent criticism of Parramatta star Chris Sandow‘s playing weight has been dismissed by coach Stephen Kearney.

Comments made on radio last week by club legend Peter Sterling accused the former South Sydney halfback of being five kilograms overweight.

But speaking ahead of the Eels must-win clash with Cronulla at Toyota Stadium on Sunday, Kearney said the recent run of poor form has made it easy for the detractors.

“From our point of view we don’t have an issue with that – we need to perform better as a team and that’s everyone, not just Chris,” Kearney said.

“It’s easy to pick on someone when things are not going so good.

“From Chrissy’s point of view, in terms of form, he’s not there by himself.

“No-one said anything when we won the week before.”

Team mate Tim Mannah was quick to defend Sandow, saying: “As a teammate it’s upsetting.”

“I guess everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but when you’re struggling and things aren’t going well, people find everything to pick on and if it’s not Sandow it’s someone else they’re going to find something wrong with.”