Eels open Negotiations for Ba

Parramatta have opened negotiations with Brad Arthur to ensure the coach is rewarded for navigating the club through the most tumultuous period in its history.The Eels are still smarting after missing out on the signature of Jarryd Hayne, but have no intention of letting Arthur slip away. Arthur is contracted until the end of 2017, but officials want to secure his services long term before he has a chance to go on the open market.It's understood the blue and golds are keen to keep the clipboard holder on their books for an additional two seasons in the belief he can become the first coach since John Monie in 1986 to deliver Parramatta a premiership."He's done a good job and the club want to extend his contract," interim Eels boss Max Donnelly said. "We've commenced negotiations to extend his contract."Arthur has been a rock for Parramatta at a time when the club has been beset by multiple crises. The year began with much promise after the Eels signed Kieran Foran and Michael Jennings and opened their premiership campaign strongly.However, the salary cap scandal effectively ended any chance of a playoffs appearance and other dramas include the parting with troubled captain Foran, the Corey Norman drugs drama, the Semi Radradra domestic violence allegations, the sacking of the Eels board and the loss of key players Junior Paulo and Nathan Peats. Hayne's decision to join the Gold Coast was the latest setback after the former San Francisco 49er went back on a promise never to play against them.While the dramas were not of his making, Arthur has been the man left to front the media and field questions when no one else at the club was prepared to take the heat. His retention would be a welcome good-news story for a club in desperate need of one.Negotiations are still in their early stages, but the fact that they have kicked off so soon after the installation of a new, temporary management structure at the Eels is an indication that Arthur's signature is a priority. The majority of the playing squad is not off-contract until the end of next season and several stars have indicated they want assurances Arthur will be around long term before re-signing.Arthur has proven a loyal servant of the club, knocking back a $1 million-per-season approach from Manly when the Sea Eagles were trying to retain Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans. He did so at a time when the former administration was reneging on a deal to upgrade and extend his stay.Hayne's decision to turn his back on Parramatta was the hot topic of conversation at Arthur's pre-game press conference on Thursday. "We are comfortable with Jarryd's decision," Arthur said."He has to do what is best for him and I have a responsibility to the club and the fans long term in making sure we put ourselves in a good space and a good place with our list that we can retain everyone."I am also accountable to this team and keeping them together. I am committed and we are committed to the blokes that are committed to us."Parramatta's offer to Hayne was $500,000 a season below what he could earn on the Gold Coast. Hayne on Thursday performed another backflip of sorts, conceding the Eels had offered him a contract just a day after claiming they hadn't.The Eels would have had to shed some of their current players in order to up their offer and weren't prepared to do so. "At the end of 2017, we have Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa, Clinton Gutherson, Brad Takairangi, Peni Terepo off-contract and they are important to me, they are important to this club and they are important to this team and there is no way we would run the risk of losing those guys," Arthur said.

Should be very careful with this extension talk. Brad Arthur has been at the Eels for about three years now. That is a fair estimate of the use by date for all coaches--Jack Gibson won three Grand Finals for the Eels and then walked, saying that players get too familiar with a coach, after three years. The current problems with coach Maguire at Souths and with coach Trent Robinson at Easts are due to that same problem--they have stayed too long at the one club. If they have the same roster next year as they have this year they will have similar results as this year. Players get stale listening to the same old stuff year after year. It happens. Brad Arthur has a contract for 2017. Let us see what eventuates next year before any extension is finalised.

Replies

1986 August 5, 2016 at 7:10am

Excellent news but why only a 2 season extension?
- CP > 1986 August 5, 2016 at 8:47am
  
  Brett you have been very grumpy of late
Parramatters August 5, 2016 at 7:13am

Should be atleast 4
Ed August 5, 2016 at 7:21am

5yrs please
Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:13am

Should be very careful with this extension talk. Brad Arthur has been at the Eels for about three years now. That is a fair estimate of the use by date for all coaches--Jack Gibson won three Grand Finals for the Eels and then walked, saying that players get too familiar with a coach, after three years. The current problems with coach Maguire at Souths and with coach Trent Robinson at Easts are due to that same problem--they have stayed too long at the one club. If they have the same roster next year as they have this year they will have similar results as this year. Players get stale listening to the same old stuff year after year. It happens. Brad Arthur has a contract for 2017. Let us see what eventuates next year before any extension is finalised.
- fishbulb > Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:21am
  
  Jesus Robert. ... do you ever say anything positive? As far as I'm concerned he's performed outstandingly and for that reason should be retained. Not extending his contract because the players might get too familiar with him seems like throwing the baby out with the bathwater to me.
- Outrunna > Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:21am
  
  Are you kidding. Brad Arthur has held this club together despite all the dramas. We have looked better in attack and defence.
  Players come to play under him and he has made all the decisionsns.
  
  If they dont extend his contract another club will snap him up.
  
  Maguire, Robinson are nothing like we are experiencing. They have had nothing like the problems BA has faced.
- Mathew Clarke > Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:25am
  
  Craig Bellamy has done pretty well but he is the exception.
  
  I would have though a 3-4 year would have been a good plan but as long as they re-sign him I will be happy. The smartest thing Parra will have done in a very long time. BA is the foundation of this club at the moment.
- Tom drake > Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:35am
  
  Robert lloyd Hopefully theres a contract out on you. I would chip in
- Parramate > Robert Lloyd August 5, 2016 at 8:39am
  
  Rob mate the shit ba has had to put up with the last 3 years would warrant wooden spoons. Trent n Maguire won premierships cause the refs were very kind to them. When was the. Last time we won the penalty count? Roosters use to get away with murder