In news that was a surprise to all Eels supporters, Parramatta assistant coach David Kidwell has parted ways with the club, effective immediately.
The Eels confirmed his departure with a media statement issued late on Monday night. It included a quote from coach, Brad Arthur.
“Kiddy is a popular member of the Club and while we are sad to see him go, we’re also happy for him and wish him the best in his next chapter. He has a really good opportunity at Argentine Rugby and we’re glad we are able to provide a pathway for him to pursue.”
Kiddy during his playing days with the Eels
Kidwell, a career coach who was the New Zealand national coach and held assistant roles at both the Storm and the Tigers before joining the Eels during the 2018 season, informed the Daily Telegraph of the reason for this sudden decision.
“I was very honest with Brad, I told him that was a big opportunity for myself, I’ve been thinking about it for three or four years, if I don’t take it now I don’t think it will ever come again.
I talked it over with my wife and a couple of close friends, and it was clear this wasn’t an opportunity that I could pass.”
Where does this leave the Eels?
At this stage, there have been no early indications as to how Kidwell’s role will be filled.
The club could look to increase the involvement of coaching consultants Paul McGregor and Mick Ennis. Whether either have any interest in taking on a full time role with a focus on the forwards and defence is not known.
NSW Cup Head Coach Ryan Carr could also come into consideration.
Carr has worked with the full time squad since 2020, and is a quality coach on the rise. He guided Featherstone Rovers in England in 2019, and had lower grade stints with both Souths and Canberra before that.
Furthermore, Carr regularly leads training drills during NRL sessions at Kellyville, is an outstanding communicator, and enjoys an excellent rapport with the players.
David Kidwell on match day
Outside of those internal options, the club could look to the vast pool of former NRL coaches – to start immediately or to take up a role commencing in 2023.
For now, The Cumberland Throw would like to pass on our best wishes to Kiddy, and we thank him for his contribution to the club over the last four years.
This has been a period which has seen the club become regular finalists, including a run inside the top 8 which extends from round 1, 2019 to today.
David has always been welcoming towards our presence at training and we’ve been able to enjoy quite a few chats over the years. His contact sessions conducted in the sand pit at Old Saleyards were something to behold. It was no place for the faint-hearted!
Thanks David, and may you enjoy much success in your immediate and future coaching endeavours.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Interesting. A change is good. We want someone whom wants to win a premiership with us in the coaching ranks. Best of luck Kiddy.
A new voice within the set up isn’t a bad thing if they decide to go that way. They already brought in two new voices this year.
Wow, good opportunity for Kidwell and thanks for his service. A new opportunity awaits!
It will be interesting to see which way we go regarding his role.
One down two to go
Give it a rest.
Trent Barret to come in? Just joking. I can show myself out.
It’s been started as a pisstake somewhere
Yeah I see now everyone is in on the joke. I do like the suggestion of Carr.
When you factor in stats like Line Breaks conceded, Missed Tackles, Ineffective Tackles and counter that against our standing as the team with the 2nd most total possession for the season, you could make an argument that we are among the worst defensive sides in the entire competition. Couple that with years of being suspect on the edges leaves me feeling comfortable that our defensive coach is moving on
Not sure if we look to replace Kidwell right away, but a change was needed IMO
I am not too worried about his departure, & while he was brought in from the Storm at a time of crisis at the club, he at least helped and the team did/has shown improvements since his arrival, the others also have helped.
As for replacement, and BA has offered Barrett a spot, but I doubt he will take the offer up as he no doubt is a hurting man and really needs a break and asses his future as to where he really wants to be.
I believe that Ryan Carr may be the better option, he’s young and has experience as a coach especially in the ESL top comp.
Barrett, really, is this true! or are you just taking the Pi$$, we need winners in our ranks.
Barrett, great player, great guy – fullstop!
It is a pisstake. Anon. It’s been made up by people looking for a laugh or to get journos thinking it’s happening.
Colin Barrett was a good attacking coach working under the supervision of Cleary. However and not wishing to kick a man while he is down, in his forays as head coach in the NRL he has been an abject failure so far.
Where did you get the information that BA has offered him a position?
I would love to see Ryan Carr offered the spot in an attempt to keep him at the Eels and away from the Super League.
Its been made up as a joke elsewhere John.
C’mon guys i’m sure we can find another Arthur to help coach. Lets keep it in the family…….
Colin, BA hasn’t offered Barrett the job.
This is the perfect opportunity to hunt for a defence specialist. I don’t know who or
from where but the fact remains that we continue to be deficient in effective defence and until this is addressed, we are just making up the numbers in this competition.
The good mail is that Trent Barrett is coming on board in a few weeks.
Interesting. Where did you hear that Brett?
I thought that was a rumour started specifically to see how far it would go ? – anyway what would TB bring to the team ?
It is exactly that Spark.
That’s is not good mail Brett.
Well I got it from the same source who called that Kidwell was leaving a week before it was announced.
All the best Kiddy!!
This should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen our coaching staff. Especially in defence, something we have been below standard for many seasons.
Best wishes Kiddy.