The year is coming to a close and as a Parramatta Eels fan, you’re probably well pleased with the team’s performance in 2017 and the direction the club is taking.
And it’s hard to argue with that.
The first NRL finals appearance since 2009, a new major sponsor and a state of the art Stadium rising on the banks of the Parramatta River – there’s no denying it’s a bright and glittering future awaiting the blue and golds.
But here’s a sobering thought.
Only one currently contracted Parramatta Eels NRL player; Kane Evans, is linked to the club for 2020.
Apart from development contract player Jaeman Salmon, every other player comes off contract at the end of 2018 or 2019.
Let that sink in for a moment.
Other clubs are now free to negotiate with those coming off contract at the end of the coming season – 21 players in all.
Off contract Eel, Cameron King.
That’s over two thirds of the roster and included in that group of off contract players are the likes of Nathan Brown, Jarryd Hayne, Cameron King, Will Smith, Ray Stone and Daniel Alvaro.
Obviously, the club is unlikely to retain its entire roster. However, the Eels would be looking to negotiate with those players, and should be in a prime position to do so.
Here’s the reality check.
Unless Brad Arthur’s contract is extended beyond 2019, the task of getting players to commit beyond that year becomes challenging.
This is not a case of putting words into players’ mouths or declaring that the sky is falling. The consequences of delaying an extension of the coaching team’s contracts are all too real. I’ve spoken to far too many players to ignore the respect to which BA and his staff are held.
Make no mistake, this Parramatta club is on the rise, with the prospect of long term success on the horizon.
Brad Arthur may not be solely responsible for the regeneration of the club, but he has been the chief architect.
Recently, TCT’s gifted author Forty20 wrote about Parramatta’s journey under Arthur. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read this two part retrospective, you can find it here and here.
Let’s briefly recap some of the recent history.
At the end of 2013, Rick Stuart controversially walked out on his contract with the Eels. Brad Arthur became a last minute appointment after a player group headed by Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah made representation to Steve Sharp to voice their respect for BA’s coaching prowess.
Whilst the club took a punt on a coach new to the top job, and the wisdom of that choice is now being re-paid, this was no blessed appointment for Arthur.
From an in-demand assistant coach with a pedigree of success detailed in his resume, Arthur then became one the lowest remunerated head coaches in the NRL with no shortage of doubters within the organisation.
Inheriting a team who’d won successive wooden spoons, with zero success filtering through from the NSW Cup or NYC teams is hardly a dream gig. The “Spoon” years and “Projectorgate” had left the players as damaged goods. And the sins of club administration would all but derail the plans of the Eels coach.
But Arthur had genuine coaching chops, was in charge of the club that he was passionate about, and he possessed the vision for what the Eels could become.
Addressing the players at training.
Importantly, his work ethic and belief in the people he works with has been instrumental in developing the culture of honesty, accountability, respect and hard work which is the hallmark of today’s club. He’s the first to credit his staff, and it’s a quality football department crew assembled at the Eels. It’s a group of people that must be retained.
Let’s consider where Parramatta now sits in that journey under Arthur’s tenure.
In 2017, the NRL team finished the regular season in the top four, the NYC were grand finalists, the SG Ball won their title and became National Champions whilst the Harold Matthews team reached the grand final qualifier.
The quality extends from the first grade to the juniors. The Eels have the potential to enjoy a golden era – but they need the man who’s guided the club to this point to cash in on this potential.
Not for one minute should supporters fear that Arthur would be about to uproot and depart the club that he’s so passionate about. He’s had at least three big money offers from other teams to walk away and remained loyal.
However, such loyalty and passion shouldn’t be taken for granted. Nor should the importance of his tenure to the players be ignored.
Nathan Brown firing up – he’s now up for grabs.
The moment that the club inks a one or two year extension for BA, you can take it to the bank that the player extensions will follow.
When there’s a squad of players waiting to see what’s happening with the coach’s contract before they commit to new deals, it doesn’t take the proverbial rocket scientist to work out what the Eels need to prioritise.
Parramatta’s come too far to delay the most important signature. The potential impact on key players, personnel and pathways systems is too great a risk to take.
It’s imperative to extend Brad Arthur’s contract now.
Let’s call it a new year’s gift to the supporters.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Addendum – List of players and their year off contract
2018 – Alvaro, Aukafolau (development), Auva’a, Brown, Davis, Gower, Hayne, G. Jennings, King, Leleisiuao (devel), Matagi, Morris (Wenty), Niukore, Pritchard, Scott, Smith, Stone, Terepo, Vave, Williams
2019 – Edwards, French, Gutherson, Hoffman, M. Jennings, Ma’u, Mannah, Moeroa, Moses, Norman, Takairangi
2020 – Evans, Salmon (Development)
How far in advance does a coach need to be extended though? He still has two years to run. The coach himself might think he will be worth even more at the end of 2018. By comparison, Bennett re-signed less than half way through a three year contract, so the Broncos certainly didn’t wait until there was a year to run.
We shouldn’t wait till there’s a year to run either.
Do you think we haven’t made an offer?
I can’t answer with certainty, but the fact that no deal has been done beyond an option for 2019 is a concern for me.
Whilst I am a passionate supporter of Brad Arthur and hope he remains at the club I believe it would be a mistake to extend any offers to him until this upcoming finals are in sight. Many clubs have made the mistake of premature contract extensions especially with coaches. Ba may turn out to be another Brian Smith (Unlikely but possibly) and manage to take us so far without achieving the main prize. Some coaching styles have a use by date therefore keeping his contract no longer then 2 years would be prudent. There is no doubt he has dragged the club through its worst period with sunshine now on the horizon and players support at an all time high but does he have the ability to take us to the next level. Absolutely! But time will tell. There’s no rush. Whilst there may be a number of players coming off contract they also must be feeling that they have something special within their grasp with only a limited number of teams offering the same chance of success.
Kevin, I can acknowledge your logic, especially as it relates to the Eels error in extending Brian Smith by a whopping 5 years.
However, I think the player contract scenario speaks for itself.
Would you wait till the finals are in sight before commencing negotiations with the players off contract this year?
Would you wait till that time to lock in the players who have aligned their own contract length to BAs – eg Gutho, French, Moses, Norman?
It’s likely that the preference for many will be to remain, but there’s a strong loyalty to BA and his coaching team. I’m not just plucking that out of thin air. That’s reality and dilly- dallying will get the outcome it would deserve.
In fact, if I recall correctly, BAs contract for 2019 was an option for him to take up.
Would you want there to be any doubt?
I have little doubt he will be resigned. He has his finger on the pulse though every football department. He’s implemented structure and a mantra though every department. There is care and nurture throughout every department. He’s made himself invaluable to the club and the eels franchise.
The strong belief I have in the jersey is a direct reflection on the impact BA has had on the club.
He’s done more than galvanise the playing group. He’s galvanised a support system and membership base.
I’m not shy in my feelings towards Ba, the guy is rock solid, He’s a leader. I expect he’ll be apart of the the future of this club for quite sometime.
The quicker he puts pen to paper the foundations keep building.
And that’s a good point. He feels ownership over what he’s done here. Walking away from that and starting over (even at a club flush with TPAs) wouldn’t be easy.
The salient point is that we need to sign BA to secure all of that – the players, the staff, the system. It is surely essential to have him locked in place for at least the next 3 years.
Well he’s got an option in his favour for 2019. From his point of view he’s got a job for the next two years. He might be waiting to see the direction the club is going off the field. And on it he might be hoping we can find some money outside the cap so he can compete with Bellamy, Green and co.
I’m pretty sure he’d be waiting on an offer. He knows which way the club is heading. He’s led it that way.
Off the field, sixties. He doesn’t have any control there.
Agree 60’s, seal the deal for 3 yrs with BA and then move forward with securing the players the club would like out of the boys coming off contract at the end of 2018.
Out of the 21 players off contract in 2018 Im curious on your thoughts as to how many we should retain / extend without naming names.
Given the dynamics of the way a 1st grade team should evolve I came up with 10 to 12 players who are keepers. In that consideration I allowed for Scott to retire, Gower to finish in the ESL at the completion of the 2018 season.
2019 is a different scenario with some seriously high dollar value players off contract.
PS: should Mitch Moses be included in 2019 contract player list .
Corrected the omission of Moses.
Like you, I reckon retirement will be the option for Scott and Gower.
Morris is pretty much confined to Wenty.
More senior players such as Vave, Matagi and Williams will probably be judged on form vs emerging players or whether players come onto the market.
I reckon you could lock in about 10 of that group (outside the development contract players) for extensions.
I think you are correct re the option for BA 2019 rather than a full on contract.
I have watched with a degree of concern or apprehension the silence in regard to the extending of BA’s contract with the eels, the question as to how long needs to cover at least 3 full years post 2018 or even 2019, a toss up as to which is best, but when one looks at those players off contract in both 18 & 19 of those that need to be resigned would be looking at when BA is in charge. No doubt in my mind he is the key to which players stay or go.
Of those off contract end of 18 I see 8 being ones to keep, not counting the development players. Of the others their performances will determine their future and at least 2 Gower and Scott retiring.
Out of the 2019 lot I see 4 or 5 as keeps while the others are borderline owing to age, of that lot there are the younger players who will take the club forward.
60’s did you miss Moses, as he is off contract end of 19 IIRC?
Yes, I missed Moses. So many players to name!
V interesting read; seems little similar to when BA was offered a contract a few yrs ago. We would assume its being sorted…….and tbh the club would be burnt down if they didn’t do it soon.
I’m sure that the club don’t have any intentions of BA leaving, but the bloke is straight up with the players. If they ask whether he’s staying past 2019, he’d answer that he doesn’t have a contract yet.
C’mon Parra just get him signed. Stability, stability, stability.
Well said. We’re on a good thing, just get it done.
I remember you writing a similar piece a couple of years ago about re-signing Arthur. It wasn’t too long after he re-signed that the club started announcing players were too. Whilst the signings of players appears to be the most important thing for other clubs, in our case it is the signing of the coach that is most important
That’s true mate. When Max Donnelly took the reins, he stated that as soon as he extended BA’s contract, all the players started committing to new deals.
The players know what he and his staff mean to them. I’ve lost count of the players who’ve spoken directly about what he means to them.
Salmon is contracted until 2020, like Evans: https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2017/11/07/parramatta-eels-welcome-four-new-recruits-to-2018-squad/
Checked and post adjusted Pou. It is a 2018 development contract in a longer term deal. Thanks.
Well I figured every club is offering development contracts, and we were able to poach Salmon for a reason. I’d say the final year of that three year deal has him inside the top 30.
The bizarre comments from Rothfield over the weekend had Salmon starting the year on the Eels bench. I think his dig at Cronulla for letting such a talent go meant that he overlooked the fact that he’s starting his time at Parra on a development contract which puts him outside the top 30.
There’s times when I miss the old 3 grade system. It was simpler times as opposed to all the different caps and different contracts of today …….
Sixties, I’m with you re the old 3 tier game scenario, in many ways it both helped and hindered the bringing in of younger players, but I think it was better than what we have now.
The worst of the old 3rds team was that it ended up with many old players no longer good enough for firsts and reserves that took too many spots, the other side of the coin was that it allowed injured players to come back and be able to ease themselves back into fitness, then progressing up to reserves and firsts.
The other aspect that I liked was with the 4 team junior competition being played in the first half of the main season, with the finals in May, that often meant players from Presidents cup to get runs in the 3rds as a showcase and stepping stone to the main squads.
I want to start by saying I really admire BA and would expect him to be contracted at Parra for many many years to come. I can see why the players have so much faith in him. I would think that I am not the only fan who would seriously question our board if this did not happen as I think BA has been and is loyal so I can see no logical reason he would leave or why we would not swiftly extend his contract.
My only point of caution with the article is the dangers of any one person controlling so much of a club, ie who comes/goes especially if they fail to shift with the changes in playing style. It is a risk that can be brilliant as it can lead to a culture being born and maintained i.e Bellamy at Melbourne, but it can also destroy a club i.e Bennett at Newcastle and Hasler at either dogs/ manly ( with back ended deals to keep his favourites without long term planning)
I think Parra is a unique case at the moment because the memories of chaos and dis function are still so raw for players and fans and BA was the primary one who gave us all some hope, positivity and stability.
So yes Bernie and the board need to sign him up well past 2019 ( good luck dealing with Parra fans if they don’t and we loose him) and then I am sure players extensions will soon follow just as they did in 2016.
I think any cautionary tale needs to be on a case by case basis. I’m one who believed that in the long term, that Brian Smith wasn’t the best fit for the club.
Bennett did some damage at the Dragons to get his short term gain, and he wasn’t in for the long haul. His mess at Newcastle was well documented.
I too think BA is unique in that he has the long term interests of the club at the heart of his plans. It’s why he’s so heavily invested in the juniors.
Agree totally- BA cares about the club not simply first grade. Obviously every case re coaching in the nrl needs to be looked at one it’s merit.
With BA it’s a no brainer- sign him up. I would imagine a club like the Warriors or Panthers would love to have him, with the junior bases they have and his ability to get a whole club program moving forward and at the same time get total by in from the players.
So with BA and the case with parra part way through the rebuild I agree we need not take the risk and give anyone else the chance to sign him.
Shelley, I think the big question in all of this is, Does BA see himself long term as coach of the eels?
When I say long term, I mean he would see himself with a 10 year tenure, a single club coach that in affect is his career. If I reflect on things, Brian Smith has been our longest serving coach so far, his success speaks for itself but is limited in nature as he has not gotten an NRL team to win a grand final, as said he is a bridesmaid.
To me, I see BA as being a person who could be a real career coach for the eels, and long term a 10 year at least, but it would not be in one contract form but a series of them, at least a 3 year upgrade/extension beyond when the current tenure finishes, he would get an upgrade for his option year plus 3 for me.
In that area he sees out a large proportion of the current NRL players as they get to the retirement age, it allows him to then bring those younger players through to be a nucleus for the future, along with strategic imports to fill necessary holes. For him to be a real long term/career coach he would need to be an Eels equivelant of Bellamy and his time at the Storm. He has indicated that his current contract will be his last and not a bad time of 15 odd years or so in charge of the one team, and done so quite well really.
Other than that I see BA’s passion is as an eels tragic and where his heart is, if he decides he wants out of coaching at some point, not sure he would go elsewhere but I would see him in a full time position as oversight of football operations and direction of the eels into the future.
Well said Sixties! There is substantial support for BA to be re-signed although fringe areas of concern that have been expressed add a little caution to the enthusiasm which is sensible IMO.
I would question your comment that this was no “blessed appointment” for BA though, and actually considered it to be exactly that, at the time. If the task had looked any less harrowing, there may well have been numerous more qualified applicants than just Jason Taylor to contend with. God knows what He’s doing and if there’s any substance in the rumour of Him being a Parra fan? He may well have been planning BA’s career and availability to the minute?
Another point I would like to make is this, and I cannot express it more aptly than in a question. Why was BA not anointed “Coach of the Year”? Having taken our basket case of a club from the horrors of 2016 to Top 4 in 2017! If the NRL continue to deliver that title (more often than not) to the coach of the premiers then where is the fairness to most of the other aspirants (Top 8 only need apply)
Maybe i should have chosen my words more carefully. I know something of the circumstances he walked into, and it was such a damaged group of players and a pathway system which had stopped producing quality footballers. So in one sense he had the opportunity to make his own mark, to re-shape the club. But he got no armchair ride in doing it.
We have spoken about this a few times now my friend, and we are in unison on this subject – get him to sign on the line that is dotted!
Indeed mate.
If you truly think that this is an important issue you should also put a blog about it over on 1Eyed. As wonderful as this site is their forum probably projects a louder voice if you know what I mean. They were very vocal about the new jerseys for next year which brought a response from the club. They’ll get behind you on this I have no doubt.
Jetta, appreciate your thoughts but I’d rather not.
BTW – I’m pretty sure we’re wearing the hooped jersey.
It could make a difference. Would it not be worth it? You just need to be a bit more forceful with your words and they will pause and take notice.
To be honest Jetta, I’m more than comfortable with the issue being raised on TCT rather than posting it on 1ee.
Brian Smith was a good coach but, too complicated. The legacy under Brian Smith was player behaviour on and off the park.
Brad Arthur is a very good coach who I think has a similar behaviour attitude with player behaviour but unlike Smith allows them to make choices – good or bad. Think Corey Norman. You make a bad choice you personally suffer but don’t let it affect the team.
Smith was too closeted with player favourites whereas Brad Arthur looks at the team and picks the player best suited for the coming game.
The disastrous year (12 points penalty) he engendered a culture of playing for themselves and for the team. He cared for the eels brand but, he showed a greater care for the players who rewarded him with a loyalty you only see at the Broncos or Melbourne.
Sign him up for three years and establish a career path within the coaching administration and management.
Brad may not want this course because he is a hands on coach.
In that case why can’t Parramatta have their own Wayne Bennett?
Brad Arthur under the most the difficult of circumstances has proved his coaching abilities, his loyalty and the ability to bond players into a force that will bring results.
He will be a long term asset for the club. What the club needs to do is protect that asset.
Great response Watson