Arthur axed as 'stalled' Parramatta search for progress
Parramatta have terminated the contract of longstanding coach Brad Arthur after a woeful run of results.
Arthur, whose last game was a 48-16 Magic Round hammering at the hands of Melbourne on Sunday, was relieved of his duties on Monday.
Trent Barrett will act as interim head coach until the end of the NRL season as the Eels look to find a permanent replacement for Arthur.
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Arthur navigated the Eels through choppy waters after being installed as the club’s head coach, and was given time to mould the squad in his image.
That began to pay off, with the Eels making consecutive finals series between 2019 and 2022. They made the 2022 grand final, where they were manhandled in a heavy loss to Penrith.
The grand final against the Panthers could have been a springboard towards the club ending a premiership drought, which is now into its 38th season, but since then the Eels have been on a downward trajectory.
Parramatta missed the top eight last season and have struggled to improve, boasting an unenviable 3-7 start to 2024, with star halfback Mitchell Moses missing large chunks of the season.
“It was the view of the board and CEO that the progress of our NRL team has stalled,” the Eels said in a statement.
“Our goal is to win premierships and it is time for the club to go in a new direction.
“We want to thank Brad, who has worked tirelessly for the club over a 10-year period.
“During his time as head coach, the club has played in five finals series, including a grand final in 2022.
“We wish Brad and his family the very best in the future and we are very grateful for his services to the club.”
