The Eels have bounced back to the winners list and it’s no surprise that it coincided with the return of Moses and Gutherson.
Whether the team can parlay the victory over the Sharks into a run of wins remains to be seen, but with the inclusion of key spine players there’s hope of better results.
The reality at this point in the season is that sorting out contracts is probably the highest priority for the club.
From the appointment of the next head coach, to determining which players should be released or retained, the Eels have critical decisions that they must get right.
And by the way, I won’t even get into what’s happening with Blaize Talagi because it just has to get done.
So let’s jump into some of those key calls here. Bumpers up!
Matt Arthur’s Future
Where to now for Matt Arthur?
The son of now former coach Brad Arthur has been the stand out performer in the Eels NSW Cup team in 2024. Regulars at KOE matches have little doubt about his quality. He’s a potential representative player in future years, with his outstanding skill set, reading of the play and tenacity.
Arthur is contracted to the club for the next two seasons, a Development Contract in 2025 and a Top 30 deal in 2026. Hopefully we see an upgrade in that regard.
“Boods” has always been a focussed footballer, and his mindset was in evidence in the week that his father’s contract was terminated. Despite the circumstances he produced yet another dominant display against the Rabbitohs.
But that mindset might be tested even more in coming weeks,
Since he became eligible to be named, supporters have been calling for Arthur’s inclusion in the top 17, and the talented rake has produced the form that justifies such opinions. Given that peers such as Blaize Talagi and Ethan Sanders have already made their NRL debuts in 2024, it would be reasonable to believe that the likes of Matt Arthur, and Charlie Guymer, would be under consideration for a call up.
But here’s the problem.
Matt Arthur
The performance of Brendan Hands against the Sharks will mean that Joey Lussick’s return to the field will likely be in NSW Cup. So instead of Arthur potentially earning a spot on the NRL bench, there is the very real prospect of him being pushed back to the NSW Cup interchange.
I’m not suggesting that such a decision will definitely transpire, but should it eventuate, it would cause a major disruption to the development of a player who is arguably the best locally produced dummy half to emerge from the Eels pathways.
To be honest, I don’t want to consider the worst case scenario.
There will be no shortage of clubs watching with interest.
Bailey Simonsson
On the subject of contracts, let’s segue to the subject of in-form but luckless Eels winger, Bailey Simonsson.
The former Raider is in his third season with the Eels and in 2024 has hit the best form of his career.
Unfortunately, he now hits the headlines for a season-ending ACL injury, and for being without a contract for 2025.
Simonsson
Make no mistake, if the Eels are to chase talent for next season beyond Zac Lomax, they will need to free up significant coin. This means parting way with players. Maika Sivo has featured prominently in departure rumours, and by virtue of being off contract, so too does Simonsson.
However, any poll of Eels supporters would be unlikely to list Simonsson as a player to be shed as he has easily been one of the team’s most consistent performers. In a tough season, he has given his all every week.
Bailey Simonsson has been an asset to the Eels. Hopefully his current injury doesn’t hinder the negotiation process.
The Next Coach
What direction will the Eels move in for the head coach role from 2025?
Trent Barrett, Jason Ryles, Josh Hannay, Michael Maguire, and Michael Cheika have all been mooted as shortlisted candidates. It’s also been suggested that Knights assistant coach, Brian McDermott, is the sixth man in the mix.
Trent Barrett
Each potential coach has selling points that can be readily identified by supporters, but the decision will probably be made by a standard recruitment process – interview and references.
The capacity to present a vision of how a premiership can be achieved, and the supporting evidence of why they are the person that can deliver it, will be instrumental in landing the gig.
Though the Eels shouldn’t rush the decision, the appointment of the next coach will provide clarity for players – those currently negotiating such as Hopgood, those disillusioned with the sacking of BA, or those on the recruitment hit list.
Hopefully the club can get two things right – the decision and the time frame of the process.
The MoGuth Effect
Who’d have thought that the absence of two key players would have been so significant to the Eels!
The Eels problems in 2024 commenced with the injury to Moses. They were compounded by Clint Gutherson playing busted well before he took time out for an operation.
Should the Eels be so reliant on two players? Probably not, but it’s not just the skill factor with these two. It’s the leadership and direction that they provide.
After watching last week’s captain’s run, I was convinced that the Eels were specials to win. There’s normally little to learn from the cap’s run, but the involvement of these two stars had an immediate and dramatic impact.
Moses
There was a quantum leap in the talk out on the field. Gutherson has always been renowned as a big talker, but let’s focus on Moses.
A quality halfback, whether wearing the C next to their name or not, is a leader, the proverbial on field general. Mitch Moses is that person, amplified.
He barks demands at his team and insists on precision in the positioning of players in attacking shapes.
Consequently, the moves in the caps run were more decisive. The players more focussed. It was subsequently there for all to see in the match.
We can’t get carried away with one win. Depth issues continue to arise due to injuries and it will take its toll.
But with Moses and Gutherson both playing, the Eels will be more competitive for the rest of this season.
Eels NRLW Latest
Over the last few weeks, the Eels have announced the re-signing of a host of young NRLW players.
The list includes Lindsay Tui, Taneka Todhunter, Chloe Jackson, Tafao Asaua, Jade Fonua, Pihuka Berryman-Duff and Rueben Cherrington.
These are players of the future who will complement established stars as the Eels set about the climb up the ladder.
Kennedy & Rueben Cherrington
It should be noted that this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership will run concurrent with the NRLW, providing a pathway and a genuine lower grade.
For NSW based clubs like Parramatta, that means that players outside the top 17 who used to sit on the sideline will now stay match fit via the HNWP.
The NRLW kicks off on July 25 with the Knights taking on the Roosters. Parramatta plays their first game two days later when they face the Broncos.
Brad Arthur’s Departure
Anybody just slightly familiar with TCT is aware of the regard and respect that I have for Brad Arthur. I suspect that many have been waiting for me to write about the club terminating his contract.
It’s no secret that I didn’t agree with the decision and especially the process. BA deserved much better. I’ve also gone on record that I am no fan of mid season sackings.
For now, I’ll make no further comment and it’s for two reasons.
Firstly, Arthur has accepted the decision with dignity. It has earned nothing but further respect for him from right across the NRL. If I was to choose a different path, it would almost be disrespectful to his stance.
Arthur
Consider the media “shitshow” that would have exploded had BA chosen to respond differently. There’s no denying that ten years at one club is a good run, but in return Arthur has more than repaid the faith. And now, just as he did back in the salary cap drama years, he’s faced the media with class.
Secondly, my opinion on what’s happened and what lies ahead are no secret to the club. Ultimately, I’m just a supporter, like hundreds of thousands of others, and all of us will have our own stance.
Regardless, as noted above, there are important decisions that the Eels must get right moving forward. I won’t be the judge of whether they are successful in doing so.
That will fall into the lap of the future.
Thanks Brad
Due to the mode and timing of the dismissal, there was no opportunity for supporters to acknowledge their appreciation of Arthur’s service and loyalty.
I’ll take my opportunity here.
As a lifetime Eels supporter, stretching back to the 1960s, I’ve seen many coaches attempt to guide the Eels to a premiership. Only two have been successful – the immortal Jack Gibson and his successor, John Monie.
Just four other coaches have taken Parra to a grand final – Terry Fearnley, Brian Smith, Daniel Anderson and Brad Arthur. At 268 games, Arthur holds the record for the longest tenured coach, and such a number is unlikely to be exceeded for some time.
My regard for Arthur was always based on my belief that he was the best man for the job at the club that I love. I never had any in-depth conversations with him to pick his brains about coaching philosophies, my respect was based on watching his coaching in action and seeing where he took the club from day one.
Cheers BA
The list of BA’s achievements would include making a dual wooden spoon club immediately competitive, successfully navigating the salary cap dramas, making a string of finals series appearances including a grand final, and developing players from fringe first graders or players not wanted at their previous club into quality NRL regulars or even representative footballers.
Let’s not forget that the first years of Brad’s tenure saw the club training out of Richie Benaud Oval, a venue that was totally devoid of facilities. And his time came to an end before the Centre of Excellence has been built.
Those facts speak for themselves. However, I was talking to somebody last week who raised the topic of BA’s legacy at the club, and specifically his finals record.
This person flipped the criticism of BA’s finals record on its head.
He stated that in the Eels five finals series under Arthur, the club always qualified for at least the second week of the finals, and that they played a grand final in an era where Penrith were, and remain, dominant.
It’s a valid perspective.
Before wrapping up, let me provide you with this personal anecdote.
When The Cumberland Throw kicked off in late 2015, it was a goal of mine to interview Brad and delve into his coaching philosophies. In 2017, I took the bit between the teeth and made that request of him. The Eels were finals bound and I wanted to get some insights and provide supporter acknowledgement of the work he’d done.
Brad’s response was that his staff deserved more accolades and that he didn’t want any more focus put on himself. He suggested that if the assistant coaches were happy to do so, we had his blessing to approach them regarding a recorded chat.
This led to our series of coaching staff recordings with Steve Murphy, Joey Grima, and Peter Gentle. I believe that those interviews provided a great insight to the Eels journey to their first finals series since 2009.
That redirect of the praise was typical of BA. He accepted the responsibility of the tough times but made sure others received the accolades during the better years.
Brad should be proud of his decade in charge of the Eels. I’m certainly grateful that he was there when his guidance was needed the most.
Arthur will land another head coaching role soon enough. As far as this season is concerned, I’ve suggested he’d do well working with a broadcaster.
I wish him every success in his future.
Eels forever!
Sixties
The elephant in the room is definitely matt arthur , this kid is not only the best in our club but the best in in ko cup and quite frankly the most promising genuine dummy half seen at this club in decades if not ever , clubs are built on number 9s nowadays and its become the most important position in the game , its critical we keep this kid for the clubs future and the camaraderie being shown in our emerging next gen , its there to be seen the tightness in ko cup with arthur ,guymer ,moretti, doorey , greig ,parker etc but arthurs the glue , if we stuff this up the fallout could be far ranging .
I agree if we were to lose the likes of Arthur and Blaize then we have to look to make wholesale changes with our retention and recruitment team. Seeing how they have let us down two years in a row with filling our top 30 also.
Mitchell, the SG Ball team from last season have some of the best prospects produced in some time. As I said above, they are the future.
Boods consistency of performance is next level. You are right to mention the camaraderie – the young blokes enjoy playing alongside each other and represent the future.
Hey 60’s, Boods Is an amazing player. I watch most of our cup games.
Do you think he is up for the take yet to tackle in the middle in first grade?
It would be interesting, do you know how much he weighs?
He looks Even more impressive to me than Ethan sanders.
Obviously they play different positions – but Boods is my favourite player from our cup squad.
Probably many of us eels fans are already big fans of Boods (who have seen any of the cup games)
And what a terrific young bloke too like you mentioned.
Muz it’s my understanding that Boods is around mid 80s in kgs. I’m fairly sure he’s heavier than Brailey at the Sharks. He’s handling open age players in NSW Cup and some of the big boppers he dealt with in Flegg are bigger than NRL players.
That’s outstanding, and mid 80’s isn’t too bad.
Do you think they might even name him soon for his debut?
Let’s hope we keep him, it would be also a testament to BA’s legacy if he rewarded us with also a premier #9 in our NRL team going forwards (hopefully it all pans out)
Boods is next level and so he should be after being introduced to high lever coaching and training from a very young age. Doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to be a NRL player.
We should hold off until the next coach comes in and decides which players he wants.
Boods looks like the kind of player too clubs will be after once they all see his talent as he continues to progress and possible NRL debut soon.
Let’s hope they can look him in – he is the future of our club at hooker.
What an amazing player and bloke he seems like, with great maturity & consistency in his game.
Eels would be silly to take this kid for granted..
I couldn’t agree even more with you I’ve actually bet with a mate of mine that Matt Arthur will be the nsw hooker by 2026 and I made that bet last year our attack would improve so much if we could bring him off the bench in 1st grade
That’s confidence Macca. I know you’ve always rated him.
Extend/upgrade him, THEN debut him. Learn from Blaize.
Gol I hear there are some positions going on R&R committee!
Surely with Bailey out, Blaize gets put on the edge and we bring young Arthur in at 14. We need to upgrade him 100 percent!
I think you’ve nailed Blaize in at centre, but I don’t know what they’ll do with the bench.
Do you think they should blood Boods now 60’s?
I was thinking hands will likely get burned out doing 80 mins weeks weekly.
Imagine hands + Boods combo 🙏 us eels fans would be excited to see it.
That’s the combination I’m ready for now Muz.
Awesome, I hope he’s ready. Just as a fan, I would love to see him debut. I think most of us would be super excited to see his name on the teams list.
Sixties, I’ve never seen him play, but youre building a real experience for me. When we signed Kane Evans I was keen to see him play, a mate who had some knowledge had mentioned that Kane liked hurting opponents, I thought ‘just what we need’, but every time he did, he got suspended. What a let down, I suspect you’re not giving me false hope on this one.
I feel that with the injury to Simonsen, there could be room to move Matt Arthur to the bench, giving hands a spell in the second half. Talagi would go to wing/centre. I also wonder if BA was concerned about bringing in MA too early, given the unwarranted criticism of Jake Arthur. Anyway, we shall soon see what transpires. I doubt MA will spend the rest of the season on the interchange bench in Reserve Grade, and I would be surprised if Barrett doesn’t try a few different things.
Longfin, as Boods isn’t on a Dev deal, he wasn’t eligible for selection until three weeks ago. And to be fair, it probably wouldn’t have been ideal to debut the likes of Boods or Charlie with the team struggling without Moses and Gutho. From here on, it might be about choosing the right opponent or opportunity. Perhaps it is this week?
The development and retention of young arthur and guymer is critical , we have an ageing 2nd rate roster and cant lose more quality juniors.
If the Eels want a focus on younger players, these players are that future.
Matt Arthur simply HAS to be retained. A good nine is vital in todays game and he is best we have seen produced in decades. The club needs to get his signing done asap. We can’t let a junior like that leave cause we are stuffing around with average journeymen at hooker or trying to sign a new coach etc.
Ron, he is signed, but he definitely needs to be upgraded as he’ll only be a development contract next year. Definitely can’t afford for him to look elsewhere.
Yep – I should clarify that I’m hoping for a long term signing – an indication from club to hoods that he is our guy. That he can be confident and own the role and put aside the business decision re: his dad because he is his own man. I have no doubt boods is those things but a strong indication from club that is so is needed in my opinion so he doesn’t look elsewhere
Spot on Ron
Great post especially in regards to respects to BA, you are very loyal to him and overall he has been a true man of blue & gold through and through.
Hopefully one day the club or players can do some type of tribute or show some type of appreciation post like you have.
BA truly was a leader of our club – I also do wish they handled things differently with more respect shown to him.
Thanks for sharing 60’s, great post mate.
Thanks Muz. Yes, I was/am loyal to Brad, and it was always because as a passionate fan I wanted the best for Parra and what he delivered could not be matched. Where other coaches had walked, he stayed dedicated and loyal, and he and his family went above and beyond in ways that have never been documented. I didn’t agree with the decision but have to move on. I have nearly 60 years invested as a supporter – it’s in the blood.
As always, eloquent, balanced and never shy of wearing that blue and gold heart on your sleeve .
A wonderful timely reminder too of those interviews with the coaching staff and the reason why they came about – Brad’s humility and desire to lift others not himself. Something that I hope many a supporter will remember when they think of Brad’s tenure and his legacy as the core, the heart of the man.
I’m proud of the way he lifted our club from those spoons and the state the playing group was in, the finals series, the GF, but for mind, it’s the way in which he invested in the players as people that I think I will remember just as much.
Cheers.
Yes, that investment in the person is something that Brad can definitely be proud of.
The current board has done a great job in leading the Eels out of the mess that they were in. The club is now financially successful with the football club running at a profit. They have also returned integrity to the organisation.
Notwithstanding a football club is measured by it’s on field performance and ours is way below the level of a club with the following of supporters and our financial success.
The club sacked BA with no clear alternative better than what they already had inBA. Why sack a coach mid season only to hire an NRL rookie coach.
A blindman can see we have issues with recruitment and retention. There has been a disconnect there that has seen us operate with inadequate roster numbers and quality. Worse BA did himself no favours by turning Journeyman into quality players. He simply made a rod for his own back by doing it because the R&R committee just became dependent on that approach.
Our next coach is the one that they find who is better than Barrett. More importantly the R&R committee needs to get, with the new coach’s input, a quality squad.
Just to end this way too long post. If BA had been advised that his services were to be terminated at the end of the season. He would have handled that with the same dignity as he did his sacking mid season.
That final point is well noted John, and very true!
Another great Bumpers Up, I agree Matt Arthur should be upgraded asap however I fear that his rsing profile with rival clubs and the fact both his brother and father were treated so shabbily by the EELS he most likely will choose another club to make his significant contribution in future years.
He will definitely get offers John, but hopefully this is a genuine opportunity for both the club and Matt. He can have a long career at the club he always aspired to play for, and the club cannot assume that he will stay and has the opportunity to show how much they value him.
I honestly think its in matt arthurs and the clubs best interest for him to stay , theres not much in front of him and even less behind him ,matts not ba or jake hes his own man and should be treated accordingly , i think hes our BEST junior easily with a huge future , i hope its here .
I agree Anon.
Mat Arthur may seek options on the open market when the time comes, like blaize.
Part of me is wondering / wishing BA leaving will work in sync with Boods future.
He would of gotten flak by brain rotten fans about nepotism if his father was still our coach.
At least now, even though it’s unfortunate his father is gone for him.
He may receive a fair go, get less noise from the toxic fans about him being in the squad.
I don’t know if it’s true, but rumour has it a lot of the younger players in eels system.
Think it’s not a good club to come through at / get a pathway into first grade.
We have lost loads of talent who become solid NRL players even during the last few years.
And there is evidence our club likes to use experienced players more-so and isn’t known for blooding a lot of young talent.
If you look at clubs like the panthers, broncos, even Melbourne.
They do blood their good talent and they do seem to do it early.
If you are a young player coming up at a club who prefers big and often older experienced players.
It only makes sense why some of these young lads seek to advance their careers at other clubs.
If Matt Arthur leaves – it would honestly be a huge failure for our club and us fans.
Why? Because him and Ethan Sanders are going to go in to become solid first grade players.
Possibly even state of origin level play makers inside 5 years.
Let’s hope our club is thinking longer term and really holds on to Matt.
But at the same time – if the rumour is true and young players don’t really see a pathway becoming NRL players at the eels.
Then I can understand them leaving.
If you look at our players 1-7 – only two of those players are what you would consider “young”
And if you look at our forwards (except for woody)
They are pretty much all old forwards so to speak.
If Matt and these other young lads see a possible restricted fury’s we may lose a lot of them.
Another good example is Brendan Hands – his clearly been a better hooker than Lussick if you compare their overall games against each other.
Hands is a younger, Greener & smaller player.
He ultimately got pushed aside for a older & bigger lussick (who unfortunately haven’t delivered)
These young blokes are not idiots – if the club keeps making these decisions.
Then it’s possible we might struggle to retain them.
I don’t want to blame BA for this because we don’t know if it’s all on him.
But our administration must look past “today” so to speak.
The future of the Eels success could lay in the hands of our successful SG ball team graduates.
60’s has said ever since before those young players were even in NSW cup.
They were supremely talented, and that some of them would be good enough to possibly debut in NRL soon enough.
If our club doesn’t move fast to blood blokes like Boods or truly who how much they value him:
Then it will become time we stop blaming the coaches.
And start going after the parra board.
Ultimately they can sack the R & R.
The leaders of the Parra organisation need to show some leadership.
They can’t just blame a coach next time if we keep losing more of our supreme young talent.
It’s also not a good look that our organisation is viewed as a bad path to first grade – who’s hesitant to blood young talent VS other clubs..
Muz, I don’t want to take anything away from the sentiments passed to BA. I agree wholeheartedly with them.
But observations being what they are, BA according to the Chairman was the loudest voice on that R&R , to sack them maybe appropriate and especially for MON as the buck should have stopped with him…..but we have to be careful in managing BA’s exit with any other personnel. e.g I believe that MON’s knowledge of the system and process is important with a new coach coming in. It maybe after that process is finished that they should start looking for a new head of football, obviously subjective as i would not know. I have been a strong supporter of MON for various reasons, but I am critical of this lack of depth which has been allowed to develop going into this season……timing of course can make a hell of a difference given the development of our juniors still being 12 months askew, with actually buying depth players…..two backs would have been obvious when you consider that Moses and Brown were both out the previous year for protracted periods.
The immediate question is how to replace Simonssen. His tough carries in our half will be impossible to reproduce. My opinion is that easily the best right wing option left available is Russell. If he were moved we’d be looking for a left centre. I hope Trent gives DJ Asi an opportuniy there. I think it’s potentially his best position. I think the work he’s obviously done on his defence needs to be rewarded. The obvious replacement is Morgan Harper who is a brave and determined competitor. I believe he lacks DJ’s class as a proposition for the rest of the seadon. It will be interesting to see what Trent thinks.
The third option for the centre position will be Blaize.
Blaize should be a winger. 20 carries 200m would be valuable. At centre his defence and involvement would not be as good. As winger he can play similar to Sualii- who served his apprenticeship as winger.
Also, Lomax will probably play centre with Penisini in 2025.
Hey Noel. Now that the team has been named, did you forget about Blaize?
I agree with most of the sentiments here Re: BA; he handled himself with dignity and self respect and he brought our club through the time of 2015/16 etc. No GF win but that is how it turned out. He did have a decent amount of time here to do well; and I acknowledge the R and R in the background. This is where the CEO / Board need to take control. They have not.
Out of the so called list of next coaches, I see McDermott as a possible due to his experience and background, but our defence has to be the main priority.
MA / Blaize and Guymer and co need to be kept no matter what, and for me Blaize must be in the team going forward now we have Guth and Moses back.
Shame about Simmo but injuries can occur anytime…..
I concur Monsieur
Milo, you’re right about those injuries, but should we lose another winger, the stocks get lower. We’d probably have to bring in Harper to centre and shift Blaize to the wing.
Need to recruit another winger. We have to the end of June to complete a signing, Correct?
Knights just signed a player from Dogs this week.
John, they definitely need to do that.
Watching the Cowboys having no fear in promoting their good 18 year old players on the weekend and seeing them play well,thoughts go to the best winger in the club outside Sivo and Russell is Mohamed Alameddine, and wouldnt it be a shot in the arm for all our juniors he and others got similar opportunity.
Somehow in the commentary on BA, the failure of R&R to fill the top 30 for more than just 2024 and completely misfire on strengthening the backline has provoked almost no media comment. Not sure any coach would have been able to do much more given the lack of depth provided by the club. The onus is now on the club to do considerably better in recruitment and until that area is up to speed, we may not see a lot more improvement .Hopefully the new coach will stamp his authority on that area.
Good points
60’s this is where I’m happy to bring up a Reggie’s type player such as a Cini etc. people also forget we have Penisini jnr and AMS both out this year.
I’m all for giving a kid a go but as we have seen other clubs are in the background to bring in kids! We don’t seem to be able to do this. I wonder why?
I also think the club should be moving on Sivo at season end as well as a forward. But new coach will age their own ideas.
Penrith for example have just signed a decent u/19’s half from QLD!
Fair dinkum we have lost a kid to Canberra and are yet to lock up a future back and dummy half!
Signing a halfback who can confidently play NRL when required must be a priority for 2025. Josh Lynn might have a future, but whether he is a half or 5/8, the club still has to decide. Who knows, they might keep Asi.
The club must also upgrade Matt Arthur for next year. Though they might be happy that he’s locked in to a Dev Deal in 2025, I’m not sure that it’s sending the right message to a player of his talent.
60’s what do you make of this?
Lussick is named as reserve for our nrl squad with Harper etc
But he is not named anywhere in the nsw cup side
If he’s injured, I wasn’t sure why they are naming him as a reserve yet his not named in the cup team line up either
You know what my concern is Muz.
I remember seeing Tim Smith tearing it up in the lower grades and knew it was only a matter of time before he forced his way into the first grade team. Matt Arthur although playing in a different position reminds me of that time.
In relation to coaching I can see a conundrum likely to occur. I’m confident we will win 5 in a row and if the club is waiting for the SOO series to end before making a likely announcement of Maguire how can you not reconsider and give it to Trent Barrett? At the very least he would be assured of an assistant role with a pay rise.
I think the club will make a decision before Barrett has a chance to string wins together Avenger. To be honest, I’d be surprised if they appoint Madge.
Who do you think Sixties? I like McDermot