NRL 2024: Matt Arthur set to be released from Parramatta Eels, as Knights circle

The Eels are set to release Matt Arthur from his contract, with the boom young hooker angry over the club’s treatment of his father Brad who was sacked as coach in May.

(L-R) Brad and Matt Arthur. Picture: NRL Imagery

Newcastle is favourite to sign Matt Arthur after the young Eels star was granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

Arthur is understood to be angry at the club’s treatment of his dad, Brad, who was sacked as head coach in May.

Aged 19, Arthur has told friends he would have been prepared to remain at Parramatta had interim Trent Barrett been appointed head coach.

But with dad Brad and Barrett now gone, Matt sought a release.

This masthead understands Arthur has been considering a release from the moment his father was dumped.

Rising Eels star Matt Arthur (right) has been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, with the young hooker angry at the club’s treatment of his dad, Brad (left) Picture: NRL Imagery

Only Barrett’s appointment could have kept Arthur at CommBank Stadium.

Arthur, who has played three NRL games for Parramatta, is expected to finish this season with the Eels.

A hooker, Arthur has a development contract with Parramatta in 2026 and a full-time deal ready for 2027.

Several NRL clubs are circling Arthur with Newcastle believed to be an early favourite.

Well-placed sources near Parramatta have confirmed Brad’s dumping had a negative impact on Matt.

Matt’s looming exit marks the end of the Arthur era at Parramatta with Brad now coaching in England and his other son Jake playing at Manly.

A Parramatta statement read: “Matt and his management approached the club recently seeking permission to negotiate with other clubs following the 2024 season based on compassionate grounds.

Several NRL clubs are circling Arthur with Newcastle believed to be an early favourite. Picture: Getty Images

“Given the unique and exceptional circumstances, the Eels have granted the request to explore potential options.”

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos claimed Arthur would be allowed to leave on compassionate grounds.

“Matt is a great young man and it was wonderful to see him make his NRL debut earlier this year,” Sarantinos said.

“While we would love to see him stay at the Eels, we understand the unique circumstances involved with this request and our decision to grant permission to negotiate with other clubs is based on compassionate grounds.”

Matt is seen as a rising prospect who debuted for Parramatta this year after representing NSW under 19s earlier this season.

The departure of Matt is an early blow for incoming coach Jason Ryles.

Ryles has already started to rework and rejuvenate the Eels roster from next season.

Following his dismissal at Parramatta, Brad Arthur has taken over English giants Leeds on a short-term deal.

He will finish up with the Rhinos after this season amid continuing speculation he wants to be the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears, tipped to enter the NRL in 2027.

In his first game as coach, Arthur’s Leeds lost 20-12 to Hull Kingston Rovers last weekend.