NRL 2023: Jake Arthur quits Parramatta Eels to sign with Manly Sea Eagles in mid-season switch

Brad Arthur says he is relieved he can start “being a dad again” after his son Jake left Parammatta in a surprise mid-season switch.

Jake Arthur has been granted an immediate release from Parramatta to join the Manly Sea Eagles. Picture: Tyler Morpeth/Manly Media.

With son Jake having signed with Manly, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says he can “be a dad again, not his coach.”

Manly have produced a surprise mid-season signing by securing Eels halfback.

Arthur will link Manly with on Monday for his first training session after requesting an immediate release from Parramatta.

Jake came under pressure from Eels fans for being the son of Parramatta’s head coach.

“You know what? I’m just looking forward to being a dad again, not his coach, it’s as simple as that,” Brad said. I can

Jake Arthur has been granted an immediate release from Parramatta to join the Manly Sea Eagles. Picture: Tyler Morpeth/Manly Media.

“And I’m looking forward to going and sitting on the hill as a spectator and watching him play with no pressure, just being his dad and letting him go.

“I will stay out of his footy now. He can go for his life. He wants to go and hear a different voice.

“‘Jakey’ wants an opportunity and he is grateful for his time at the club.”

Arthur’s signing raises questions about the Eels’ halfback stocks, with no recognised No.7 in the reserve grade ranks.

They only have NSW Cup captain-coach Jordan Rankin, or utility Daejarn Asi currently contracted. SG Ball halfback Ethan Sanders is seen as a future first grader but a move to the NRL would be a significant step up for the youngster who played Jersey Flegg last weekend.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold was thrilled to add Arthur to the Sea Eagles’ playmaking stocks, signing him until the end of the 2024 season.

Arthur gives the Sea Eagles’ playmaking stocks a much needed boost, while Anthony Seibold believes he could also be used as a ball-playing forward. Picture: Getty Images.

“Jake adds depth to our squad, particularly in the halves. We feel he also has got the ability to be a ball-playing forward with his size and defensive capabilities,’’ Seibold said.

“Jake comes with great pedigree having played in last year’s NRL grand final and having come through the Parramatta system as an elite junior.

“This is an opportunity for Jake to experience different coaches, different club environment, and he adds to the depth of our program, particularly with 10 players currently unavailable out of our top-30 for this weekend’s game.”

Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill, wished Arthur, who came through the Parramatta ranks from the under-14s, all the best with his move to Manly.

“Jake is one of the most hard-working and resilient young men and we are very proud of what he has contributed to our club. He has an incredibly calm demeanour and talented football brain which I’m sure will help him succeed for many years to come in the NRL.”