IS there a better time to sack a coach than grand final week?

Normally, Parramatta's decision to dump Daniel Anderson - one of our more decorated and experienced clipboard carriers - would be front and back pages in the Sydney press.

In fact, about the only way to keep a heartland club like the Eels off the back page would be to have an all-NSW grand final.

I understand New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney's decision to join Parramatta is anything but straightforward.

"Stephen hasn't approached us, Parramatta haven't approached us,'' Storm chief executive Ron Gaunci told us, "so at this stage he is here next year.

"But if he was to come to us, we would sit down and discuss any opportunity that might be presented to him and we would be happy to take a long-term view with regard to his career.''

About the only thing that might convince Kearney to stay in Melbourne would be if current head coach Craig Bellamy was to move on before his current contract expires at the end of 2012.

"Craig has a three-year contract," Gauci said. Asked if he was confident of Bellamy seeing out that contract, Gauci said: "Yes I am".

Asked if there had been any suggestion this may not happen, Gauci said: "No there hasn't.''

Bellamy's agent, John Fordham, also told BackPageLead his client had no intention of leaving the club. "He is committed to rebuilding the Storm,'' Fordham said.

Kearney did not answer his phone or respond to texts.

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IT used to be that if you made a formal complaint on the field that you were bitten or gouged and then declined to go through with it, you could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

Is it time that the laws of the competition caught up with technology and players who make any audible accusation - like being called a "wog" - before backing away from it should be opened up for similar action?

I think there's a strong case for it.

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RUGBY league continues to take AFL head on.

The 2010 innovation of having a piss-up every night of grand final week will teach those aerial ping-pongers a lesson. Tonight it's the One Community Awards. Gallop's shout.