‘I Needed It’: Arthur Reflects on Eels Sacking and His Desire to Coach in NRL Again…
Former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has spoken publicly for the first time since his shock mid-season sacking earlier this year, admitting that while the decision hurt deeply, it may have been the reset he needed to reignite his passion for coaching.
In an emotional and candid interview with NRL 360 this week, Arthur opened up about the pain of leaving a club he’d led for over a decade — and his determination to return to the NRL coaching ranks stronger than ever.
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‘It hurt — but I needed it’
“It was hard, I won’t lie,” Arthur said, reflecting on the moment he was informed that his time with Parramatta was over. “You pour your heart into a club for 11 years, build relationships, see kids grow into men, and suddenly it’s gone. But looking back now, I think I needed it. It forced me to step back and see things differently.”
Arthur’s sacking in May came after a poor start to the 2025 season, which saw the Eels sitting 13th on the ladder after ten rounds. While many fans questioned the timing of the decision, the club’s management insisted a “fresh direction” was needed following two inconsistent years after the club’s 2022 Grand Final appearance.
For Arthur, who guided Parramatta through one of its most stable and competitive periods in recent history, the end still came as a shock.
“You always know coaching is a results business,” he said. “But when it happens, it still knocks the wind out of you. I thought we could turn it around — I still believed in the boys. But that’s footy. You can’t hold grudges. You just take it on the chin and move forward.”
A period of reflection and renewal
Since his departure, Arthur has stayed largely out of the public eye. He’s spent more time with family, traveled overseas, and even visited several sporting programs across Australia and New Zealand to study coaching methods and leadership dynamics.
“I’ve had time to think, time to breathe,” he said. “When you’re coaching in the NRL, you’re living and breathing it 24/7. It consumes you. For the first time in years, I’ve been able to step back, watch games without the stress, and reflect on what I could’ve done better.”
Arthur revealed that he’s been in contact with several clubs — not for head coaching roles yet, but to consult, observe, and learn.
“I’ve been at a few clubs helping out informally — sitting in on sessions, talking with coaches. It’s reminded me why I love the game. Coaching isn’t just about winning, it’s about connecting with players, building something together. That’s what drives me.”
No bitterness toward Parramatta
Despite the suddenness of his exit, Arthur made it clear he harbors no resentment toward the Eels’ management or players.
“I’ll always have love for Parramatta,” he said. “That club gave me an opportunity when things were tough. We went through a lot — salary cap drama, rebuilds, near misses. We didn’t get the premiership we wanted, but we built something strong. I’m proud of that.”
Arthur coached 264 games for the Eels, becoming the club’s longest-serving coach. Under his guidance, Parramatta emerged from years of instability to become consistent finals contenders.
“I still keep in touch with a few of the boys,” he said. “I watched them this year and was proud of how they kept fighting. That resilience — that’s what we worked hard to build. I’ll always cheer for them, just maybe a bit quieter now.”
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The hunger to return
While Arthur is enjoying a break from the weekly grind, there’s little doubt he intends to return to NRL coaching sooner rather than later.
“I want to coach again. Absolutely,” he said without hesitation. “Once it’s in your blood, it’s hard to walk away. I’ve still got the fire, the hunger. I’ve learned a lot — about leadership, communication, balance. I know I can bring something valuable to a team.”
NRL insiders suggest Arthur could be a contender for future vacancies, particularly at clubs undergoing rebuilds or searching for experienced guidance. Several reports have linked him to potential assistant or senior advisor roles, including at the Dragons and Bulldogs, though Arthur remains tight-lipped about his next move.
“Right now, I’m not rushing into anything,” he said. “If the right opportunity comes up, one where I feel I can make a real difference, I’ll grab it. Until then, I’m happy learning and preparing.”
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Lessons from a decade in blue and gold
Arthur’s tenure at Parramatta was far from easy. He inherited a club in turmoil in 2014 and gradually turned it into a top-four contender. But it was also marked by heartbreak — from the 2022 Grand Final loss to Penrith to the 2023 injury crisis that derailed another promising campaign.
“I’ve learned that success isn’t just about trophies,” he reflected. “It’s about consistency, discipline, and culture. We built a culture at Parra where effort mattered. I’m proud of that more than anything.”
He also spoke about the toll coaching can take on mental health and family life — something he’s grown more open about since stepping away.
“You don’t realize how much pressure you carry until it’s gone,” Arthur said. “You’re responsible for 30 players, staff, results, fans, media — it’s relentless. I’ve had to learn how to balance that. If I go back, I’ll do it differently. I’ll still work hard, but I’ll make sure I don’t lose myself in the job.”
Support from the rugby league community
Since his exit, many figures across the NRL have publicly praised Arthur’s work ethic and resilience. Former players, rival coaches, and media personalities alike have described him as one of the most hardworking and respected figures in the game.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson, who played nearly his entire career under Arthur, recently said: “Brad’s the reason a lot of us became the players we are. He pushed us, believed in us. We owe him a lot.”
Arthur smiled when told of Gutherson’s comments. “That means a lot,” he said. “I pushed Gutho hard — sometimes too hard maybe — but that’s because I saw what he could become. That’s what coaching’s about. You want your players to grow.”
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What’s next?
Asked what an ideal next chapter looks like, Arthur was measured but optimistic.
“I’d love to coach again in the NRL, but it’s not about ego. It’s about finding the right fit — a club that wants to build something lasting. Whether that’s as a head coach or helping another coach as an assistant, I’m open.”
Until then, Arthur says he’ll continue studying the game, mentoring young coaches, and spending time with his family.
“I’ve had 11 years of giving everything to one club,” he said. “Now I’m giving some of that time back to the people who supported me. But make no mistake — I’ll be back. I love this game too much to stay away for long.”
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As Brad Arthur’s chapter with the Eels officially closes, his story as a coach appears far from over. After years of relentless pressure and expectation, the man once defined by loyalty and grind is rediscovering his spark — not through victory, but through reflection.
And if his words are anything to go by, the NRL hasn’t seen the last of Brad Arthur just yet.
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