NRL 2024: Brad Arthur insists he’s not finished coaching in NRL, opens up on 2022 grand final loss

Brad Arthur has insisted his shock dismissal from Parramatta won’t spell the end of his NRL coaching career, while opening up on his greatest torment – his side’s 2022 grand final loss.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur. NRL Imagery

Sacked Eels mentor Brad Arthur insists he is not finished as an NRL coach and has opened up about his greatest torment – how Parramatta botched the chance to break their 36-year premiership drought.

Arthur remains adamant he can deliver a title to an NRL club and says he will be driven by the nightmare of a disastrous 2022 grand-final drubbing, revealing he and Eels players were too satisfied with just reaching the decider.

Arthur’s 11-year reign at Parramatta came to an inglorious end when he was axed on Monday night, just 24 hours before celebrating his 50th birthday.

Speaking on Fox’s NRL 360 program, Arthur admits he wasn’t totally shocked at being jettisoned by Parramatta powerbrokers, but had hoped he would be given until season’s end to haul the Eels into title contention.

“I thought maybe I might get to the end of the year, but I get it,” he said.

“I signed up for it. Results are important.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur. NRL Imagery

“That’s what the business is driven by and the results weren’t good enough at present.

“I wouldn’t change any of it, I am grateful for my time at the club.

“I don’t hold any resentment. I’m not bitter.

“I have made some great friendships and grown a lot as a person with my leadership.

“I wouldn’t change any bit of it.

“If someone told me 11 years ago that this is where I would be and even get sacked on my 50th birthday, I would have accepted it.”

What Arthur struggles to accept is Parramatta blowing their golden chance to win the blue-and-gold army’s first premiership since 1986.

The Eels’ first half was a horror show. They trailed defending premiers Penrith 18-0 inside 27 minutes. By halftime, their much-hyped shot at glory was in tatters. Parramatta trailed 28-0 on the hour and didn’t score until the 76th minute.

Arthur admits he was even warned by his good mate, Storm super coach Craig Bellamy, not to get seduced by the hoopla of grand-final week.

The Eels look dejected after defeat in the 2022 grand final. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Ultimately, Arthur’s inability to take Parramatta to the promised land led to his demise.

“That word … celebration, we really focused on enjoying the week and I’m sure that was our downfall,” he said.

“We were very happy to be there and I have learnt from that and hopefully I get the chance to rectify it.

“Maybe we lost the intensity and dropped the focus around what had got us and what we needed to do and we probably lapped it up and enjoyed it too much. That’s experience for you, you don’t get it until you get it.

“I felt it.

“I had some good advice from people around me who warned me of that.

“Craig (Bellamy) rang me from Melbourne and talked to me about it. Mick Ennis talked to me about it.

“You can’t change any of it now.

“I am still proud of the team for getting us to a grand final, especially defying the odds up in North Queensland (in the preliminary final).

“We probably played our grand final the week before and we were just happy to be there.”

Arthur out for an early morning run after being sacked following crisis talks with Parramatta bosses. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The day after being sacked, Arthur was up at 4am pacing the house ready to go to Eels training. He admits he will miss the club but is determined to soldier on and eventually secure another head-coaching post in the NRL.

“I knew what was coming and I was disappointed because it’s all I know. I love the club and I love the players. I love my job,” he said.

“It’s been a big part of my life but now a new chapter will start for me.

“In 11 years, we have played finals and I have changed a lot of people’s lives, guys have had families, we got to experience grand final week and I got to watch my boy (son Jake) debut.

“What more could I ask for? Yep I want to win a comp and every coach does and I will be striving to do that for however long. But I wouldn’t change anything and I have no regrets.

Brad Arthur has insisted he has no bitterness towards the club over the decision. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“The players are great men. Everyone of them has reached out to me by text or calling me. A few guys turned up today with a carton of beer and some flowers for Michelle (his wife).

“Junior (Paulo) was doing laps around the streets last night wanting to come over. ‘Gutho’ (Clint Gutherson) was the first one to ring. They have changed my life.

“I’m going to try and have a sleep in because I haven’t done that for a while, but I just want to coach.

“At some stage it’s the nature of our game.

“This (being sacked) will happen to someone else and I’m not going to prey on someone else’s job, but hopefully another opportunity comes along and I will make some adjustments to things I’ve done.

“I am excited for what’s next to me. I feel fresh and I’m ready to go again. It’s only 24 hours later but I’m ready for the next adventure in my life.”