Parramatta Eels boss denies rumours Shane Flanagan will replace Brad Arthur as coach
Speculation Shane Flanagan has been secretly lined up to replace Brad Arthur at Parramatta is sweeping through rugby league. The Eels have responded.
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The Parramatta Eels have shot down the hottest rumour in the game — that comeback coach Shane Flanagan has been secretly sounded out to replace Brad Arthur.
Despite making the NRL finals for three of the last four years, finishing in the top four last season and having a two-year contract, there has been constant speculation regarding Arthur’s future.
This is why Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos picked up his mobile phone on Monday to call The Daily Telegraph and explain the situation.
“I’ve spoken to no other coach,” he said. “Our chairman has spoken to no other coach. There has been no consideration or discussion about anyone else.”
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The Eels bombed out in the finals last year, losing to Melbourne 36-24 and then South Sydney 38-24.
Conceding 74 points in the two finals sparked the speculation around Arthur and the Flanagan rumour that has swept rugby league circles throughout the off-season.
“We’ve made good progress in the last two years but in every area of our club we want to improve,” said Sarantinos, whose Eels made back-to-back finals series last season for the first time since 2007.
“That’s front office, football department, elite pathways, everything.
“The last couple of years we’ve got to the second week of the finals but we’d like to do better this year. No-one more so than Brad and the players. They are burning for finals success.”
In fairness to Arthur, he lost wingers Maika Sivo and Blake Ferguson with injuries and centre Michael Jennings, who was withdrawn from the Souths game on the morning of the final after testing positive for banned substances Ligandrol and Ibutamoren.
Losing the three gamebreakers obviously contributed to his disappointing finals campaign.
The Eels boss insists no target has been set for Arthur to survive.
“If we get to a grand final or win a premiership that’s terrific but Brad’s future is not hanging on it,” he said.
“I can guarantee there is no benchmark level on the competition ladder in relation to Brad’s future.
“We’re fully invested in Brad. We’d like him to be here well beyond the next two years. If there’s progress, you back your people.
“It’s the same with any job, not just in rugby league.
“We’re doing everything we can to support Brad, his staff and the players to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Sarantinos is also backing the player under as much pressure as the coach – much maligned halfback Mitchell Moses, who is off contract at the end of the season.
“He’s fresh and he’s had a great off-season,” Sarantinos said.
“Having another year in combination with Reed (Mahoney), Dylan (Brown) and Gutho (Clint Gutherson) will help. We think Mitchell will have a great year.”
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Originally published as Parramatta Eels boss denies rumours Shane Flanagan will replace Brad Arthur as coach
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