Eels coach Brad Arthur uses footy’s most dreaded phrase as he tries to convince fans his job is safe
- Parramatta have lost four of their last five
- Eels are currently sitting 12th on the ladder
- Speculation over Arthur’s future is rife
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is adamant he has ‘100 per cent’ support from club officials amid flagging fortunes and retains that same level of optimism that boom youngster Blaize Talagi will remain with the Eels
It’s an unfortunate choice of words by the 49-year-old as footy superstition says under-fire coaches who claim to have ‘100 per cent’ backing – or are told they have ‘100 per cent support’ from the board – are definitely bound to be sacked.
With just three wins from the opening eight games, Arthur’s side is in 12th place on the NRL ladder ahead of a Friday showdown with the high-flying Broncos in Brisbane without captain and fullback Clint Gutherson.
Playmaker Dylan Brown has been elevated to co-captain for the match, with 19-year-old Talagi set to wear the No.1 jersey in a big show of faith from the coach who labelled the teen star the ‘future of the club’.
Talagi reportedly failed to trigger an option in his contract to remain at Parramatta for 2025 and can field offers from around the league, but Arthur already has plans for him as Gutherson’s potential long-term successor.
‘I’ve had a conversation with Blaize – he’s only a kid, so I try not to have too many of these conversations with him and just keep them footy related – but the only question that I’ve asked him is: Does he want to be at the club? He told me he does. That’s half the battle.
‘The club’s been working with his management trying to get something sorted. Both parties have been working hard at that.
‘He wants to be here, so it will sort itself out.’
The Eels’ ability to lift themselves up the ladder has taken a huge hit with inspirational captain Clint Gutherson (pictured) out after having knee surgery
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