Parramatta have ended conjecture over coach Brad Arthur’s future, backing him to continue their NRL premiership quest by extending his contract by two years until the end of 2024.
Arthur will overtake Brian Smith as the longest serving coach in Parramatta history if he sees out the deal.
Arthur’s position would have been a key talking point of the NRL off-season and into 2022, with the Eels coach due off-contract at the end of next year.
Pressure mounted on Arthur during the Eels’ poor run of form leading up to this year’s finals, as they crashed out of the top four.
“I’ve never been backwards in coming forwards about my feelings towards the club,” Arthur told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I played there as a junior. I would have loved to have played NRL for the club, but this is the next best thing – coaching at this club. It’s a big part of my family.
“Blue and gold has been in my bloodline for a long, long time. I’m just so grateful the club has put the trust in me to move forward with this squad.”
Parramatta also bowed out of the finals in the second week for the fourth time in five years as fans continue to wait for a first premiership since 1986.
However the manner in which they surged late by ending Melbourne’s winning streak and only bowed out in a fighting 8-6 semi-final loss to eventual premiers Penrith suggested Arthurs’ side is close to the mark.
Arthur’s new deal will take his tenure at Parramatta into an 11th season, making it the longest stint for a coach at the club.
“We have come a long way as a club both on and off the field in recent years and Brad has played a major part in that,” Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said.
“We have assembled a strong roster, developed a number of players to representative quality, and brought a series of Parramatta juniors through to NRL level during that time.
“We have consistently played finals football over the last few years and we have a strongly connected group of players who will continue to grow and develop together over the coming seasons.
“We believe that Brad is the best person to lead our club towards challenging for a premiership.”
Arthur’s signature should also go a long way to helping sort Parramatta’s roster issues.
The Eels have 13 players off contract at the end of next year, headlined by the likes of Clint Gutherson, Reed Mahoney, Junior Paulo, Ryan Matterson and Isaiah Papali’i.
Five-eighth Dylan Brown, winger Maika Sivo and prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard also have options in their favour.
“I love being at this club and I think we are creating a great environment to be a part of,” Arthur said.
“I value the relationship I have with our staff and our playing group, they challenge me every day and it’s been exciting to see the positive impact that our younger players have had on our squad.
“The best is yet to come from this team, so I’m excited to confirm my future at the club.”
Succhi
Roar Rookie
He gets them in the semis consistently. I just think their players in key positions are a level below the top 3 or 4 teams. Gutho, Mahoney, Brown and Moses would be third or fourth picks for rep teams in their respective positions. I think Arthur has done well with what he has to work with.
Greg
Roar Pro
Well said. Also you've Joey as a halves coach who has been unavailable the past 2 years (covid). If he does genuinely have something to offer as a coach he will be back.
Eelsalmighty
Roar Rookie
Awesome. One of the best coaches in the NRL. I know he's not 'the best (yet), there's a big gap between 'the best' (the top few) and the group of the next best, which is where I think he currently sits but: He's still young, still learning, only getting better. He's passionate about the club, and the job. Most, if not all of the players, like and respect him, want to play for him. He did an exceptional job for the club during some of our toughest times. And I like him. I respect him.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Don't you know how the hypothetical works? it doesn't matter who you sign, they will be better than who you have because there is no way to prove anything and the outcome lays purely in the posters mind. Someone suggested we downgrade Gutho and sign Dufty a while ago, 2 games of finals footy next year and more wins than losses.... I'm happy with that :thumbup:
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Who could we sign?
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Parra need to employ an attacking coach to serve under BA to fix up their attack
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Played as many finals games as Melbourne, beat Melbourne twice, pushed Penrith within an inch not sure if that classifys as mediocre. I'm happy he has resigned but each to his own :thumbup:
Paul
Roar Guru
Mary Konstantopoulos will be happy.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Luckiest coach in living memory. His team falls apart like clockwork when the going gets tough and yet one win against Melbourne and a ‘controversial’ loss against the Panthers and all is forgiven. The rationale that he stood by the club during dark times ignores that he had nowhere else to go.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Keep aiming for mediocrity, Parra