Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has expressed his gratitude to the club despite being sacked on Monday but insists he still has more to achieve in the game.
In a statement sent out on Tuesday afternoon, a positive Arthur spoke highly of the Eels and understood the club’s decision to part ways after another disappointing performance against the Storm over the weekend.
“I’m not bitter, I’m grateful to the club for the opportunities that have been given to me,” Arthur said.
“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. 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.”
The decision to part ways with Arthur came after a 48-16 loss to the Melbourne Storm at Magic Round. Arthur’s assistant, Trent Barrett, will take over as interim coach for the rest of the season.
Brad Arthur during an Eels match.Credit: NRL
Arthur took over at the club as an interim coach in 2012. The high point of his tenure came when the Eels reached the 2022 grand final, which they lost to Penrith 28-12.
Having failed to make the finals last year, the Eels slumped to their sixth loss in their past seven matches at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, in a performance Arthur labelled “embarrassing”.
The former coach made special mention of his skipper Clint Gutherson in a fitting tribute to the club’s No.1. He also revealed his desire to return to NRL coaching in the future.
“I’ve loved having the privilege of shaping young family’s lives,” he said.
“It’s really satisfying that as a club we’ve been able to help some players reach representative honours. Thank you to the many people who’ve reached out to me to show their support. I’m overwhelmed with everyone in the playing group reaching out to thank me.
“After a short break I look forward to new opportunities and challenges. I feel I still have plenty to give. I know I’ve made mistakes but I feel like I’ve got a few things right too. I don’t want to single any players out but it would be unfair to not thank Clint Gutherson for the years of torture he put his body through for me.”
