NRL 2021: Parramatta Eels make call on future of coach Brad Arthur

The Parramatta Eels have quashed suggestions Brad Arthur’s job was under fire by re-signing the coach for three more years.

Arthur has led the men in blue and gold since 2014 and will continue to do so until at least the end of the 2024 season.

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Should he see the contract out, Arthur will surpass Brian Smith as the longest serving head coach in Parramatta history.

Arthur said he was looking forward to remaining with the club.

“I am really pleased to extend my time as head coach and continue to build on the progress we have made in recent seasons,” he said.

“As a club we are all in this together, we share the same drive to constantly improve and set the standards that will deliver the results that our loyal members, fans and sponsors are looking for.

“I love being at this club and I think we are creating a great environment to be a part of. 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.”

Since taking the reins full-time, Arthur has transformed the Eels from back-to-back wooden spooners to finals series regulars.

Parramatta has qualified for the play-offs in four of the last five years but the side has nevertheless faced criticism for fading towards the end of regular seasons and then losing steam altogether in the finals.

Under Arthur’s watch, the Eels have won just two of eight finals games, bowing out in the semi-finals in all four finals campaigns.

Pundits threw Arthur’s credentials into question when the wheels once again appeared to be falling off the bus as the 2021 regular season approached its conclusion.

However, despite long-term injuries to crucial first-graders Reed Mahoney and Maika Sivo, Parramatta managed to pull it together and finish the season respectably. In one of their greatest victories in recent memory, the Eels ended Melbourne’s record-equalling run of 19 consecutive wins late in the regular season and also went toe-to-toe with eventual premiers Penrith in a bruising semi-final.

Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said the club was pleased to have secured Arthur’s services until the end of 2024.

“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,” he 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.”