Under pressure Brad Arthur has ‘no self-doubt’ over coaching ability

Coming off contract at the end of 2019, Brad Arthur is aware another year of failure could cost him his job, but the Eels coach says it’s no different to any other season.

Brad Arthur says he has full faith in his coaching ability. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

• NRL TRIALS: Eels roll out big guns

• STACKED: Arthur to roll out big guns for trial

He is under more pressure than any other NRL head coach, is fresh off “winning’’ a wooden spoon and has a squad that is the second favourite to finish last again this season.

But Parramatta’s Brad Arthur has declared: “I have no self-doubts about my coaching.”

Coming off contract after this year, Arthur is aware another season of failure could cost him his job with Jim Dymock and Trent Barrett already mooted as possible replacements.

The Eels are rated $4.50 with the TAB to lose the most matches this season, behind only Canterbury ($3.50).

Brad Arthur says he has full faith in his coaching ability. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Arthur knows he is under internal and external pressure but is ready to hit back this year after the disappointment of 2018.

And Arthur’s Eels kickstart their season this Friday night with a trial match against Canberra Raiders at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

Arthur told The Daily Telegraph: “I have no self-doubt in my coaching or performance, or the ability of my coaching staff.

“I know the situation, we all know the situation and we’re all in it together.

“There is pressure every year – it is what it is. There was pressure last year to go better on the back of coming fourth (in 2017).

Arthur has confidence in the group around him to succeed in 2019. Picture: Brett Costello

“It’s just part of the job. I feel the pressure is there every year for every coach. It’s a pressure game you’re in. You lose two games and anyone can be under pressure.

“To tell you the truth, I haven’t thought about or worried about it.”

Arthur has worked hard throughout summer to rediscover that winning style and formula.

He pinpointed a lack of cohesion as his team’s Achilles heel last season.

“There were a few things there we didn’t quite get right around the relationships and us coming together,” he said.

“For mine, it wasn’t a great deal to do with our football. We were one man out, we didn’t come together as a team. That is a priority for us this season.

Parramatta face Canberra on Friday night in their opening trial. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

“We have moved on from last year. We know it wasn’t good enough and we know it wasn’t us. It wasn’t a real reflection of our team.

“There is only one way we can change it and that is to do something about it with our actions. A good start is important for us because, obviously, confidence then comes into it. We know what works for us.”

Arthur has a roster capable of playing finals football, and that could earn him a new contract.

“I don’t want to make any statements or whatever around that,” he said. “But you know what? What I think is acceptable is that we compete our best in every single game.

The Eels are expected to name a strong squad for the clash with the Raiders. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

“We need to compete in every single game – and we need to make sure we’re a chance in every single game.

“We have added a bit of size and we also have some forwards that have plenty of footy in them. We have a lot of young blokes too that will bring plenty of enthusiasm.”

Arthur claimed only results would guarantee crowds this season and that his side won’t be allowed to think fans will attend because the club is moving into a new stadium.

“Our real focus is to earn the right for people to want to come and watch us play,” Arthur said.

“Not just think they are going to turn up just because it’s a new stadium. We need to earn the right for people to want to watch us play.”

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Originally published as Under pressure Brad Arthur has ‘no self-doubt’ over coaching ability