The Parramatta Eels have told Brad Arthur that they will be calling time on his coaching career at the club. The team, languishing in 14th after 10 games played, will now be looking for a new top boss.
Arthur, 50, has been coaching the Eels since 2012 when he took over as interim coach. He guided Parramatta to a grand final against arch-rivals Penrith three years ago.
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The straw that broke the camel’s back, The Sporting Base understands, came after Parramatta struggled to match the Melbourne Storm at Magic Round. The Eels were blown off the park 48-16 and while there were spurts from the travelling western Sydney side, they were the only team totally destroyed at the all-play weekend.
When he was told the news—a day before his 50th birthday, mind you—Brad Arthur took the end of his tenure with all the grace and poise he’d delivered at the blue-and-gold club over the past decade.
“I’m not bitter, I’m grateful to the club for the opportunities given to me,’’ Arthur said.
He continued: “In 11 years I’ve been able to look after my family, made lots of great friendships, learnt so much about rugby league, learned a lot about managing people and expectations and most importantly got to experience the excitement of an NRL grand final week and game without getting the desired result.
“I understand it’s a results-driven business and our performances weren’t where they needed to be recently.
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“I’m extremely grateful to the playing group for the respect they’ve shown me and my family and I wish them all the best for the rest of the year and I know they can turn it around.’’
