Eric Grothe wants to “fight his way back” into Parramatta’s first grade team despite being told he was no longer wanted by the Eels.
The talented but inconsistent winger – who has infamously declared his music career took precedence over rugby league – has been given permission to talk to other clubs after failing to hold down a place in the Eels’ lineup.
But Grothe’s manager Roy Spagnolo says the player doesn’t want to leave.
“At this stage, he’s not going anywhere,” Spagnolo told Fairfax.
“He’s happy to stay where he is.”
Grothe has been linked to Super League club Wigan but Spagnolo the English giants had made no real offer to the 28-year-old.
“There’s been no real discussion,” Spagnolo said. “It was just an inquiry from them. No one’s really sat down and spoken to Eric. It’s just been in passing.
“But he’s committed to staying where he is and he’s ready to fight his way back.”
Parramatta boss Denis Fitzgerald admitted Grothe, who is contracted to the club for a further two years, would stay if he could not find a new team.
“We’ve given him permission to talk to other clubs,” Fitzgerald said. “Nothing’s changed. If he can’t find another club he’s with us.”
Grothe's father Eric was a legendary winger for Parramatta.
