SYDNEY - If trying to end Queensland's seven-year stranglehold on State of Origin wasn't hard enough, Ricky Stuart admits he faces another massive task trying to make Parramatta a force in the NRL again.
Stuart failed in his quest to guide the Blues to a series for the first time since 2005 in his two-year stint as coach, but did much to close the gap between the sides and restore some pride to the jumper.
However, he knows he has his work cut out reviving the Eels and warned the club's long-suffering fans not to expect miracles in the wake of Saturday's 41-4 trial defeat to Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
"If anyone thinks we're going to rebuild this in two or three months doesn't know the extent of the job," Stuart said on Sunday.
"This is a huge job. The club's been in the doldrums for a couple of years.
"It's going to take time to pull ourselves out of that and start showing some consistency."
The Eels claimed the wooden spoon for the first time since 1974 last season and have not made the top-eight since reaching the 2009 grand final.