Brad Arthur’s management ‘contacted Canterbury about shock move to NRL fighters’ – but Parra coach insists he does NOT want to leave the Eels
- Brad Arthur has denied reports he is planning to leave Parramatta Eels
- NRL360 claimed its management contacted Canterbury about their vacancy
- However, Arthur insists he is very happy with his job at his NRL club
Parramatta manager Brad Arthur has dismissed reports he is seeking an exit from the Eels, claiming his management have contacted Canterbury about their coaching position.
The Bulldogs are on the lookout for a new manager to replace the axed Trent Barrett and with an enticing roster awaiting the club in 2024, the vacancy is certainly an attractive prospect.
News Corp’s Dave Riccio revealed that Arthur’s management – Pacific Sports Management – had reached out to the Dogs for a shock change, even though his contract still had two years left NRL360 that moving would be unlikely.
Brad Arthur has denied reports that he is eyeing a Parramatta exit given recent reports
“That’s what I understand Canterbury is the Sydney club that has been probed. Do I think it will happen? No, I do not.
“I know there was also a conversation today with the chairman of Parramatta and Brad’s management which made it clear that (he was happy at the club) – both parties want to be in this marriage going forward.”
And Arthur has done his best to quash Tuesday’s rumors by insisting there are a whole host of reasons he wants to stay with Parra – including his quick commute to work.
‘I have no reason to go,’ said Arthur. “I drive seven minutes to work. I think everyone would love to drive seven minutes to work and work for Parramatta.’
News Corp reports Arthur’s management have contacted Canterbury about her coaching job
Arthur added that the speculation was “funny”. He has been with the Eels since 2014 but has yet to end the club’s quest for their first Premiership since 1986.
“I’ve been in my job for nine years and at some point every year there’s a question mark as to whether I’m the right coach for the future,” he said.
“It’s simply part of a result-oriented job.”
Assessing his options now could be a smart move for Arthur. His stock is still high, having finished in the top eight in four of the last five seasons.
When shooting, Parramatta is one of the most entertaining and dominant teams in the competition.
This season they have an 11-6 record and are in sixth place.
However, the Eels manager has dismissed these suggestions and says he is happy at Parramatta
Arthur joined the Eels in 2014 and says among other things he loves the seven-minute ride
Improving that beyond 2022 could become more difficult as Isaiah Papalii, Marata Niukore and Reed Mahoney all leave the Eels at the end of this year.
“This (2022 season) is our best opportunity (to win a Premier League) that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Arthur.
“Does it mean it (our Premiership window) is closing? I do not think so. We’ve got a lot of good young guys coming through.’
The beating on Arthur was his inability to get his side up at the right time of year and that the Eels have often failed in the big games.
Ahead of Thursday’s home game against Brisbane, the Eels manager has taken his side to the Central Coast to recover ahead of the remaining six weeks of the season, where they hope to climb into the NRL top four.
“We’re in a better position now than we were this time last year,” added Arthur.
“We still haven’t played our best footy, our best footy is ahead.”
