Why Eels coach Brad Arthur is proud of his young Rhinos

PARRAMATTA coach Brad Arthur wasn’t there to see his Rouse Hill Rhinos under-15-1s lose an exciting grand final on September 9 but his disappointment is tempered by the fact the gutsy boys were beaten by a better team on the day.

Rouse Hill Rhinos under-15/1 were runners-up in the Parramatta JRL competition with coach Brad Arthur at right, second row.

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PARRAMATTA coach Brad Arthur wasn’t there to see his Rouse Hill Rhinos under-15-1s lose an exciting grand final on September 9 but his disappointment is tempered by the fact the gutsy boys were beaten by a better team on the day.

Arthur was in Melbourne where he saw his unfancied Eels give minor premiers Storm the biggest fright before their 18-16 loss in their exciting qualifying final.

Unfortunately he experienced more defeat when the Cowboys defeated the Eels 24-16 in the sudden death final.

Rouse Hill Rhinos 16/1 won the 2017 Parramatta junior rugby league title.

On September 10, Arthur’s eldest son, Jake, was a member of the Rhinos’ under-15s side which lost 12-10 to Cabramatta. His second son, Matthew, also lost his under-12s grand final.

The Rhinos had a highly successful season with as many as 11 teams making the grand finals with the under-16/1s and C Grade emerging champions in the respective categories.

Brad Arthur began his coaching career with the Batemans Bay Tigers in 1997.

Another Parramatta Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh and club stalwart Paul Coinakis coached the Rhinos 11/1s to the grand final. The other teams which made the grand finals included 9/2, 9/3, 10/2, 12/2, 14/2, and A grade.

Remarkably, Arthur managed to coach the Rhinos under-15s this season despite his heavy schedule with the Eels.

Arthur said although he was unable to coach the Rhinos under-15s in the grand final, he didn’t think his presence would have got his boys over the line.

Rouse Hill Rhinos C Grade are the 2017 champions in the Parramatta league.

“No, it would have not made a difference if I was there for the Rhinos final because our team was beaten by a better team that day,” Arthur said.

“It was a big disappointment for the kids but the other team played better that day.

“But I am very happy with our team as they had been unbeaten all season and this was their only loss.’’

Rouse Hill Rhinos 12/1 were in the 2017 Parramatta junior rugby league finals.

Arthur said he was undecided on whether he would coach the Rhinos next season, with his son Jake hoping for a spot in the Parramatta Harold Matthews’ team.

“A lot of our boys will be trying for the Harold Matthews teams and Jake will also be trying out ... if he is good, he will be chosen.

“I am not sure if I will be coaching the Rhinos next season, still thinking about it. But I love coaching the kids and have been coaching the Rhinos teams for the past four-five years.”