The impending addition of Michael Jennings to the Parramatta roster for 2016 will complete an impressive recruitment drive by the Eels. Make no mistake, the confirmation of Jennings is merely a formality and the classy centre will be joining the Eels on a four year deal almost immediately.
The Blues Origin speedster undoubtedly puts the icing on the most impressive list of recruits in recent memory. It’s quite a list – Kieran Foran, Beau Scott, Michael Gordon, James Hasson, Cameron King, Kieran Moss, Rory O’Brien, Mitch Cornish, Kelepi Tanginoa, Scott Schulte, Clinton Gutherson, Matthew Woods, Honeti Tuha – a group of players possessing class, experience and promise. Add this to an existing player group which has threatened to break into the top 8 in the last two years, and most Parramatta fans could be excused for getting a little excited. The quality and depth is very impressive.
Unquestionably, this would mark the conclusion of the recruitment for 2016, Therefore, it is opportune to examine what may have been the best signature in recent times – that of the coach, Brad Arthur.
Towards the later part of 2013, it seemed a fait accompli that Jason Taylor would take over the reigns at the Eels. At the final moment, Steve Sharp made an executive decision to instead place his faith in a Parramatta man, Brad Arthur.
Arthur, the player, had been an uncompromising, intelligent and gifted junior representative and graded footballer for the Eels. Talk to his team mates from back in the day and they readily point to his dedication, leadership and footy smarts. Unfortunately, BA’s fit frame did not suit the power required of forwards nor the pace required of a back. Yet a move to the Panthers and career shortening injuries would prove to be a blessing in disguise as Royce Simmons guided the still youthful Arthur into the coaching game.
Fast forward nearly two decades, following successful stints in country, NYC and NRL assistant coach positions, we find the self described “Parra boy” in charge of a potentially resurgent Eels. Which leads me to the point of this editorial of mine.
At the conclusion of 2013, Arthur inherited a dual spoon squad. Ricky Stuart famously stated that the team and the supporters had to expect big losses – and there were plenty of those. Brad Arthur immediately set about changing that mindset. As performances improved and word of the Parramatta mentor’s methods spread, something significant happened. Quality players were increasingly interested in joining the club.
So now we enter 2016 with a squad primarily assembled by Arthur. The club have played their part, with the provision of quality, professional facilities at Old Saleyards. Likewise, Daniel Anderson has played his part in finalising deals. However, I am in no doubt that the major factor in the strongest Eels squad in recent times is the coach. Importantly, I include the high quality of the support staff in my praising assessment of the squad.
A number of the players recruited actually approached the Eels or indicated to their managers that Parramatta were their preferred choice. Talk to the players and their praise of Arthur’s coaching is a consistent feature of the conversations. Watch him put the players through their paces at training and the respect with which he is held becomes evident.
Perhaps the best way for me to conclude my post is to say that Arthur would not like this focus on himself. He would emphasise to me that he has won nothing yet, that matches aren’t won on paper or on potential and that there is plenty of hard work ahead for the Eels to make an impression this year. Yet I am emboldened by the impact of the man who was born to coach Parramatta. Arthur has changed the quality of our recruitment from ridicule to envy and for that he must be acknowledged.
Sixties
Credit to the Parramatta Eels for all images used.
Gordon
Semi
Jennings
Taka
Gutherson
Norman
Foran
Mannah
Peats
Paulo/Wicks (if Paulo released)
M’au
Scott
Watmough
Moerera
Alvaro
Edwards
Gower
Strongest lineup in a decade
There might yet be a surprise selection in the forwards. Time will tell.
Stories just keep getting better..Great stuff AGAIN…
Unabashed Arthur fan mate. Thanks for the compliment.
100% agree with you Sixties! Brad Arthur is the best thing that has happened to our club in a long time!
Michael, the current roster would not exist without him. Furthermore, the changed attitude and culture within the playing group is attributable to him.
You know Arthur is the one man I want to sign my eels jersey!
Along with Kieran Foran, beau Scott, semi Radradra, Clinton gutherson and hopefully Micheal Jennings. With out th best eels squad since the 80’s.
I’ve always admired Arthur since he started, his no nonsense no excuses coaching and the way he can respectfully calls out the media on stupid questions. He’s great for our clubs.
*With out a doubt the best eels squad since the 80’s*
I’m with you 100% on this Jack.
You are on the money again Sixties. Its an old saying that you can’t coach speed and with the signing of Jennings it will bring an element to the eels that has been lacking for a very long time. His type of speed can win or save you a game and one or two of those in a season can be the difference in making the finals or not.
I’m an SCG/Allianz member and in any season I go and see a fair few roosters games. There were only two players in their squad that always made me move forward in my seat when they had the ball and they were RTS and Jennings. RTS for his all round skills and the way he just seems to float across the ground and Jennings for his raw speed which you have to see live to really appreciate what an advantage it is.
Was I happy with the signings of Foran, Scott and Gordon, yes with a capital Y and as for Jennings it really is the icing on the cake and hats off to Arthur and the crew behind him in delivery such experienced and quality players. So looking forward to this season.
Would we have such a line up without BA? I think we know the answer.
The other thing I liked about the Jennings signing that I meant to mention was that $’s didn’t really get a mention unlike so many other times. Seems to me to have been a subtle line in the sand of a player joining the juggernaut rather strictly for the coin. Good times ahead!
Nice read again mate. You’ve nailed it with the two words, Attitude and Culture. No excuses is a way forward for parra. BA has done well with the squashes had over two year, albeit some bad losses. But we’ve seen what he’s done with the team, and I only hope we have less injuries and our def our wide improves. The rest will be ok.
That identification and securing of the key personnel that he needed to help him achieve a new attitude and culture has not happened overnight. But to do so in only two years is remarkable.
Wow this could be a amazing season what a great roster we now have. The electric eels are back!
We do have to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves, but this roster is exciting.
Good write up 60’s. When BA was announced as 1st grade coach there were plenty of detractors death riding him from the start. I had the opportunity to chat to BA very informally early in his stint as coach and it was very easy to see he was Parra through and through and what a breath of fresh air it was when comparing him to Stuart.
Like everyone I really hope the outstanding recruitment turns into positive results on the field and then we all get to see the Blue & Gold juggernaut gather momentum.
JJ, I know that it isn’t essential to have a coach with a background at the club. Some may even see it as beneficial if there is no connection. However, I like knowing that the coach loves the club that he is coaching. The difference with BA is that he doesn’t let his emotion interfere with his job. Total professional.
BOOM
We are back baby.
KABOOM!
hey – that’s my line
To all the guys putting this together, just wanted to say thank you. Ive been following Parra since 1974 and its been some ride. Great stuff keep up the good work
Thanks for the kind words John. Keep coming back mate.
No worries mate, the training updates are great. cant wait to see the new combos in action