NRL 2024: Contenders emerge for Parramatta Eels head coach following Brad Arthur dismissal

The Parramatta Eels have created a shortlist of contenders in their search for a new coach – but one key target has already been taken off the table. See who the contenders are and have your say.

Parramatta have put together a subcommittee as they prepare to step up their search for a new coach by conducting interviews with a shortlist of candidates to replace Brad Arthur.

Parramatta have put together a subcommittee headed by chief executive Jim Sarantinos and head of football Mark O’Neill as they prepare to step up their search for a new coach by conducting interviews with a shortlist of candidates to replace Brad Arthur.

The Eels have received a deluge of interest in their coaching position after moving on from Arthur and are keen to begin speaking to prospective replacements as soon as possible.

It is understood Sarantinos and O’Neill – along with representatives from the board – will head up the search for Arthur’s successor with the likes of Melbourne assistant Jason Ryles, Cronulla and Queensland assistant Josh Hannay, Sydney Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook and NSW coach Michael Maguire likely to feature prominently in discussions.

One man definitely off the table is Warriors coach Andrew Webster, with CEO Cameron George slamming suggestions the former Penrith assistant coach could be lured back to Sydney’s west.

Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles. Picture: NRL Photos

Sarantinos and chair Sean McElduff were coy on their plans for a new coach when they addressed the media on Tuesday but it is understood they are open-minded on the position.

“What we will be looking for is what we think is the best coach for our club,” Sarantinos said.

“We still think we have a really strong roster. As I said, we want someone who has been involved with a winning program and been around a high performance culture.

“We have started putting together a list of candidates. There are obviously a number of people out there who have the capabilities to be a head coach.

“That is a process we will work through over the coming weeks.”

The Eels may need to tread warily given some of the figures likely to be involved. Ryles has a contract in place with Melbourne, having returned there to work alongside Craig Bellamy and potentially replace him at some point.

However, Bellamy recently confirmed he would return for another season at the helm and Ryles may decide to put his hand up to catch the Eels.

Parramatta Eels Chairman Sean McElduff (left) and Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos (right) addressing the dismissal of Brad Arthur. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The Storm would be within their rights to refuse to let him leave given he is believed to have no exit clause in his contract, although it is understood they would have a conversation with Ryles before confirming their stance on his future.

Bellamy said the club didn’t want to lose Ryles but said the club wouldn’t stand in their way if he had another opportunity.

“We don’t want him to go but it’s not very often that you get those sort of opportunities so if he wanted to go I wouldn’t imagine we would said the club stand in his way,” Bellamy said.

“He’s doing a really good job for us. He’s doing some defence with our ruck but he’s also taken on the role as leadership coach and a bit in recruitment. We’re mixing things up for him.”

Likewise, Holbrook has only just joined the Roosters and it seems difficult to fathom that he would walk out on the club after only one season given they handed him a lifeline after his sacking from the Gold Coast.

Maguire also has another year on his contract with the Blues but is known to covet a return to head coaching in the NRL.

He may be forced to relinquish his role with NSW if that is the case – as well as conduct an interview while he is in the throes of this year’s series, his first in charge.

NSW Blues head coach Michael Maguire has another year on his deal, but is keen on a return to NRL head coaching. Picture: Getty Images

Hannay would be in a similar boat given he works on Billy Slater’s staff with the Queensland side. Eels assistant, Trent Barrett, who has been appointed in an interim capacity, is also expected to express an interest in the role while South Sydney legend Sam Burgess is a wildcard, having made a flying start to his coaching career at Warrington.

There were whispers on Tuesday that the Eels would also explore the option of speaking to Warriors coach Webster, who played for Parramatta and coached at the club in lower grades.

“Why would they not go after Webster?” NRL 360 co-host James Graham asked on Tuesday night.

“If they were going to throw Wayne Bennett money around, they wouldn’t need to put Wayne Bennett money to Andrew Webster, but they could afford to buy him out of his contract.”

However, the suggestion raised the ire of George, who was in charge of re-signing Webster last October to a new deal that takes him through until 2028.

“Zero chance. None. I’ve already spoken to Andrew about it and we’re both on the same page,’’ George said.

“We wish the Eels well in their search for a new head coach, but that won’t include Andrew.’’

One thing is clear – the Eels won’t suffer from a lack off interest given the quality of their playing roster and the standing of their club, which is regarded as one of the most powerful in Sydney.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Contenders emerge for Parramatta Eels head coach following Brad Arthur dismissal