The Parramatta Eels have scheduled a review of the performance of the club's football program for June, with coach Brad Arthur's future to be the main topic of discussion.
The Eels have decided to hold off on discussions around the club's future until after the mid-way point of the season, giving Arthur ample time to prove he is worthy of an extension beyond the end of his current deal.
While the Eels may not make an announcement directly after the meeting, it's understood Arthur will have a very strong indication whether he will have a job next season after the review.
"The board and I have been in discussions and we've discussed it with Brad," chief executive Bernie Gurr told NRL.com.
"We are getting inquiries about Brad's contract situation and that is not unreasonable, so we've decided to put some time parameters around it. We think June is a fair time for us to consider it. That gives Brad, the team and the coaching staff a reasonable time period to demonstrate improved performance from last year. It also demonstrates our support for Brad. We all want him and the players and the coaching staff to be successful."
The club originally wanted to do quarterly reviews but have since decided that it would be unfair on the coach to prove himself in such a short time frame.
The Eels don't play a home game until they open their new stadium in round six against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday.
The club has been implementing several recommendations that came as a result of last season's review, with Gurr admitting things were on the improve at the club.
"I am happy," he said.
"I am happy with the new players we've brought in and I'm happy with what Brad and his staff have done through the off-season. There's a really good mood and as you know in footy clubs that is usually driven by the head coach."
The only potential negative consequence of waiting until midway through the season could be on the recruitment front if players baulk at re-signing or joining the Eels until they know who will be coach.
Captain Clint Gutherson, who is contract at the end of this year, has a very close relationship with Arthur and is likely to want to know what's happening with the coach.
"Under Mark O'Neill's leadership those sort of discussions will continue," Gurr said.
"I don't think it'll hinder that aspect of things. We all need to improve. The objective here is to put some common sense time parameters around Brad's future. I think it's a reasonable amount of time. It gives the club a bit of clarity.
"It gives the new initiatives around the program time to be embedded. We know this is a results driven business but there are other performance criteria we all have to comply with. We've been around long enough. We know the deal."
https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/18/parramatta-to-make-coaching-call-on-brad-arthur-mid-season/
Replies
Round 10 was the rumour. Not far off.
I think this is a fair call for all involved and transparency is key.
This announcement will also cut a lot of the bullshit and rumours etc.
Another good story here. Mahoney helps a car crash victim on his way home from the game Sunday night.
https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/03/18/citizen-on-patrol-reed-mahoney-...
Mahoney? citizen on patrol?
Someone was watching a Police Academy marathon last night
He did say that bringing juniors through takes time and he's had the time now.
In the past 12 months, Niukore, D Brown and Mahoney have all been blooded and were among our best on Sunday.
The recruitment of Ferguson, Lane and Paulo seem to be outstanding decisions so far albeit early days.
If this team plays even similar to how they did this week for the season and the young brigade continue to improve, I see no reason not to keep BA as head coach, Like him or not.
Another thing is, if he was to be let go, who will be available to take over? Many good coaches have just signed contracts and please Holbrook lovers...give it a rest.
Keeping things in perspective, it is early days in this season...
Pretty well said mate
Exactly right Grunta. BA had to reset the juniors first in order to reap the benefits of that. They are starting to come through now and any coach would be salivating at that. Let BA work with them now to see what he can do with them.
No arguments here good perspective written here also.
Grunts you have hit the nail on the head. I would also suspect that in the intermediate time there would be an asessment on all the off contract players and how they are going, likewise a potential hit list of those off contract players seen as prospective signings.
Agreed Grunta.
I reckon they'll resign BA if he's winning at least 50% with so many new/young players.
They cannot be serious at extending his contract again??? He has had 5 years more than enough time & only return has been 2 finals matchs losing both. The fact is the Eels were good enough to win both 2016 & 2017 & Arthur destroyed both seasons - I don't care what anyone else says he is solely to blame! Then drove them from finalists back down to the wooden spoon.
The only question should be whether he sees out the current season or they wake up & sack him!
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