He may be the current interim coach at the Parramatta Eels for the rest of 2012, but it is more than likely that Brad Arthur will seek out another NRL gig elsewhere – after 2013 coach Ricky Stuart told him that he will not be a part of his plans for the coaching staff.
Since taking over at the Eels, Arthur has won 2 of 3 games in charge of the club – but despite having one year to run on his contract, it was a meeting with Stuart, in which the former NSW coach said he is surplus to the team’s coaching staff.
“I have spoken to Ricky, and he has indicated that I won’t be a part of his coaching staff,” Arthur said.
“I won’t be assistant coach, and I want to be involved in the NRL, so I guess I’ve got to see what’s out there.”
“He has two assistants coming in, which I understand, and if it were me, I’d want to bring in people I’ve worked under and trusted.”
“I’ve got to weigh up, and see what my options are.”
Arthur was offered roles that he has previously assumed in the past to remain at the club, both as Toyota Cup coach and NSW Cup coach – as Dean Pay signed on as the first assistant coach, with Trent Barrett or Matt Parish, believed to be following suite soon.
Eels skipper Nathan Hindmarsh, who is retiring at season’s end, said that Arthur had the tools to become a successful first-grade coach.
“It’s a bit disappointing,” Hindmarsh said.
“I’m a big fan of Brad’s, but that’s how it works when a new coach comes in.”
“The boys have really responded to him, because of Brad’s enthusiasm. He is nice and intense, and I like that in a coach.”
“You become accountable for your actions on the field, and there is no room for shortcuts.”
For Arthur, although he would have liked to stay at the Eels, with this now no longer possible – it is possible that he may seek a role that have Melbourne connections, either Melbourne itself, or at South Sydney.
“I wanted to stay and be part of the Eels,” Arthur said.
“I’ve always wanted to be a head coach and it was unfortunate the way I got it in this period, but it’s confirmed to me that I can be a full-time head coach, and that is what I want to do.”
“My coaching style is honest and upfront, and nothing is hidden from the boys.”
“I think they like that, and they’ve been happy to take it on board.”