‘A disadvantage at times’: The adversity Matt Arthur has overcome on way to NRL debut
Brad Arthur has reluctantly opened up ahead of son Matt’s debut for Parramatta on Saturday, revealing the 19-year-old “probably” would not have played NRL this year if he was coach.
The former Parramatta coach, who was sacked by the club in late May, was hesitant to speak to the media ahead of Matt’s debut in fear of taking the spotlight away from his son.
It is why Arthur also declined any involvement in the jersey presentation on Friday, although he will be in attendance at McDonald Jones Stadium for Saturday’s game.
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/b76e8901df3f1fd33a2ecaf5feccdb3c?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/b76e8901df3f1fd33a2ecaf5feccdb3c?width=768 768w" layout="responsive" attribution="test" class="i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined i-amphtml-element i-amphtml-built i-amphtml-layout" i-amphtml-layout="responsive" i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-visited="" lightbox="i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-0">
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/b76e8901df3f1fd33a2ecaf5feccdb3c?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/b76e8901df3f1fd33a2ecaf5feccdb3c?width=768 768w" alt="Matt Arthur playing NSW Cup for the Eels. NRL Imagery" />Matt Arthur playing NSW Cup for the Eels. NRL ImagerySource: Supplied
It is a bittersweet moment for the Arthur family, with Matt’s mother Michelle telling The Sydney Morning Herald that he had to deal with constant reminders of his surname growing up,
“Even from a young age, kids on the field would pick on him, telling him, ‘your dad is about to get sacked’, or ‘you’re only in teams because of your dad’,” Michelle said.
“He’s had to learn to handle that. But every time he’s gone up a level, he’s proven himself and got better.”
Arthur, meanwhile, told the Herald he thinks both Matt and his other son Jake, who was the subject of abuse during his time at Parramatta, have “been at a disadvantage at times” because he was the coach.
While the general assumption is that the opposite is true, Arthur revealed just how much more both his sons have had to prove to justify their position in rugby league circles.
“They have had to work harder because they’ve been under the microscope more than others,” he said.
“They have to be a 10 out of 10 every time they’ve played. That’s why I’m so proud of both of them.
“If I was still coach, I probably wouldn’t have played Matt this year, purely because of his surname. But I’m proud of him.”
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/c32d01088835559782af76756671941a?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/c32d01088835559782af76756671941a?width=768 768w" layout="responsive" attribution="test" class="i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined i-amphtml-element i-amphtml-built i-amphtml-layout" i-amphtml-layout="responsive" i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-visited="" lightbox="i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-1">
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/c32d01088835559782af76756671941a?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/c32d01088835559782af76756671941a?width=768 768w" alt="Former Eels head coach Brad Arthur. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)" />Former Eels head coach Brad Arthur. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Matt scored the winning try for the Blues in the Under 19s Origin gameagainst the Maroons last week, but interim Eels coach Trent Barrett and a host of current NRL players said it was the 19-year-old’s consistently strong form in NSW Cup that has impressed them the most.
“He’s been probably one of our best and most consistent players in NSW Cup. I think it’s important we reward that form as well,” Barrett said.
“Matt deserves his spot. We’ve sort of known that debut would come. It was about picking the right time and making sure Mitchell was back as well.”
Mitchell, of course, referring to NSW’s other hero after Moses played a starring role in the Blues’ 38-18 demolition of Queensland on Wednesday night.
“I wouldn’t have probably put Matty in there if we were under-strength,” added Barrett.
“He’ll do a good job. He’s a confident kid and he works really hard, that’s probably his best attribute. He’s a little goer and he won’t die wondering.
“He’s a tenacious little fella and he won’t take a backwards step and that’s what we like about him. He’s very professional in how he goes about his work and he loves footy... he’s got the backing of his father and Michelle and the family behind him.”
Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown joked that Matt started training with the first grade squad before he did.
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/57b1b64a7c83c8e0a438a79c2b74e0c4?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/57b1b64a7c83c8e0a438a79c2b74e0c4?width=768 768w" layout="responsive" attribution="test" class="i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined i-amphtml-element i-amphtml-built i-amphtml-layout" i-amphtml-layout="responsive" i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-visited="" lightbox="i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-2">
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/57b1b64a7c83c8e0a438a79c2b74e0c4?width=640 640w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/57b1b64a7c83c8e0a438a79c2b74e0c4?width=768 768w" alt="Patrician Brothers Blacktown player Matt Arthur in 2022 ahead of his NRL Schoolboys Cup clash with Hills Sports High School. Picture: Jonathan Ng" />Patrician Brothers Blacktown player Matt Arthur in 2022 ahead of his NRL Schoolboys Cup clash with Hills Sports High School. Picture: Jonathan NgSource: News Corp Australia
“He was like 11,” Brown told reporters.
“I remember coming in, and he’s running laps with the boys and I was like, ‘Who’s this kid’ and [they said], ‘It’s the coach’s son’ [and I was like], ‘That’s pretty cool’.
“He’s always had the grit. I don’t want to use the word. The ‘c’ word about him. But, he’s just like his dad. He’s really passionate about rugby league.”
Brown described Matt’s debut as a “positive” to come out of what had otherwise been a “negative” season for the injury-riddled Eels, who find themselves last on the ladder.
“He’s tough. He trains hard, he works hard. Really excited to see him play,” added Bryce Cartwright.
“He’s played some really good footy in NSW Cup... we’re all pumped for him.”
Joe Ofahengaue, meanwhile, confirmed there are similarities between Matt and father Brad but preferred to keep the specifics in house.
What he was willing to share though was his praise for how hard the 19-year-old has worked to get to this point.
“He’s very quiet... I think he’s done it the right way,” Ofahengaue said.
“He’s played Cup and bode his time. Coming from being an 18 or 19-year-old playing against men, it’s a different mindset and I think he’s done it the right way.
“He’s gone to Cup level and played really well. He’s one of the best every week... being Brad’s son I know he and the family is going to be really proud.”
Jersey Presentation below...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8x38dABDpk/?igsh=MWlzOWljaWttZ2dlYg==
Replies
“If I was still coach, I probably wouldn’t have played Matt this year, purely because of his surname."
😂
That doesn't make sense. If any player was good enough why would you stop any player from playing because of his surname?
Also, the season is just about done. Now is a good time to debut a few development players????
If BA doesn't want to take the focus off Jake - he just did.
Chief, it makes sense for BA. He is taking a pot shot at Eels' fans and their treatment of JA and the nepotism claims, I'm guessing. It probably got under his skin unlike many other things.
The fact that many eels fans knew Jake wasn't good enough to be in the 17. And they were correct. Fast forward two seasons, and Jake is languishing in reserve grade with next to zero prospects of getting a full time gig.
Yep, I don't disagree with you gents. JA is depth potential at best. His body let him down. A bit like what Royce told his old man at the Panthers. Hard to compete in the Bathurst 1000 with a Russian Lada. I dunno about MA, yet.
Yep he fucked up w Jake
but you'll never hear him take responsibility for that period .....
shame as it's spoilt things for Matt
we live and learn ( most of us )
Spot on carlo, he messed up the JA situation and doubled down by insisting on picking him on the bench every week even though it wasn't a good thing for the team or more importantly for JA wasn't a good thing for him. BA did far more harm to JA than any fan abuse.
Absolutely 100% right!
still hate the thought of nice kid like Jake getting booed tho, he copped it for his Dads mistake
wonder if BA takes up the Perth mission, if he'll get his family dreams to come true & have them all there... reckon so.
And guess what Jake on a minimum wage top 30 deal will still earn more money than most of the jealous man children eels fans that bagged him out
Thing is, he made a big mistake with how he forced Jake into first grade, no way around it. Not saying giving him a debut but putting him on the bench when he had never done that before and did not do it since says a bit.
Now is going the complete opposite way with Matt holding him back when in fact he is better, more ready and a position is available.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next