Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has expressed his gratitude to the club despite being sacked on Monday, but insists he still has more to achieve in the game.
In a statement sent out on Tuesday afternoon, a positive Arthur spoke highly of the Eels and understood the club's decision to part ways after another disappointing performance against the Storm at the weekend.
“I'm not bitter, I'm grateful to the club for the opportunities they've given me,” Arthur said.
“In 11 years I've been able to look after my family, I've made a lot of friendships, I've learned a lot about rugby league, I've learned a lot about managing people and expectations and most importantly I've been able to experience the excitement of a great NRL week and game without getting the desired result.
“I understand this is a results-oriented business and our performances have not been where they should have been recently. I am very grateful to the playing group for the respect they have shown me and my family and I wish them all the best for the rest of the year and I know they can turn it around.”
The decision to part ways with Arthur came after a 48-16 loss to the Melbourne Storm in the Magic Round. Arthur's assistant, Trent Barrett, will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Brad Arthur during an Eels game.Credit: NRL
Arthur took over the club as interim coach in 2012. The highlight of his tenure came when the Eels reached the 2022 grand final, which they lost to Penrith 28-12.
Having failed to reach the finals last year, the Eels slumped to their sixth defeat in their last seven games at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday in a performance Arthur described as “embarrassing”.
