Brad Arthur praised over ‘class act’ as axed slammed as ‘definition of cruelty’

Axed the day before his 50th birthday, former Eels coach Brad Arthur has won over the NRL world with his reaction to the shock news.

There was one question that had Brad Arthur emotional. Photo: Channel 7 and Fox Sports

The NRL world has labelled axed Eels coach Brad Arthur a “class act” after he was unceremoniously dumped by the club after 11 years at the helm.

Arthur had taken the Eels from the cellar to just shy of the promise land of a long awaited premiership over his tenure, but after missing the finals in 2023 following the 2022 Grand Final appearance, the pressure was on long-term Parramatta mentor.

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Injuries to stars including halfback Mitchell Moses and captain Clint Gutherson have thrown the Eels season into chaos and after 11 rounds, the side are languishing in 14th on the ladder.

Having reportedly been in the hunt for the signature of Wayne Bennett, the Eels had decided to move on from Arthur on May 1, but kept it quiet as they pursued the legendary coach.

But the noise became too much following the Eels’ 48-16 loss to Melbourne at Magic Round and the Eels powerbrokers finally made the call on the coach.

Brutally, the news came through the day before Arthur’s 50th birthday.

While many would have forgiven Arthur to at least take the day, the veteran coach spent the day speaking to media outlets.

And rather than burning the club that had just given him the flick, Arthur said he wasn’t bitter about the decision.

But when speaking to Seven News about his wife Michelle that Arthur got emotional.

“Michelle’s put her whole life on hold for me and the kids,” Arthur said.

Brad Arthur had to take a moment while talking about his wife. Photo: Channel 7

Arthur was emotional talking about his wife. Photo: Channel 7

For the most part, Arthur shared a consistent message in all the interviews he conducted on Tuesday.

Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL 360 about if he had any regrets, Arthur was unequivocal.

“I wouldn’t change any of it,” Arthur said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time and I’m really grateful for my time, I don’t hold any resentment, I’m not bitter about what’s happened. I’ve made some wonderful friendships, I’ve learned a lot, I’ve grown as a person.

“I wouldn’t change a bit of it. Someone could have told me 11 years ago that this is where I’d be and even that I’d get sacked on my 50th birthday, I would have accepted it.”

The former Eels coach said he “knew what was coming” when he was called into office.

He said he’d hoped to get through to the end of the year but understood that the NRL is a results-driven business.

He also wished his former team the best and hoped they’d turn it around.

“Parramatta’s a massive club so I’ve gotten used to it (the pressure), so I know whatever’s next for me I’m going to be better again,” Arthur said.

“I’m proud of where I started to where I am now. In 11 years, we’ve played in finals, hopefully I’ve contributed to changing people’s lives. We’ve had young men become men with young families, representative players, I got to experience a Grand Final week, got to watch my young bloke debut — what more could I ask for?

“I still want to win a comp, every coach does … but I wouldn’t change any of it. I’ve got no regrets.”

Arthur also called his core group of stars “great men” and said “every one of them reached out to me over the last 24 hours via text or ring, a couple of boys turned up today with a carton of beers and flowers for Michelle.

“Junior (Paulo) was doing laps around the streets last night wanting to come over, Gutho was the first to ring me.

“Hopefully I’ve made positive changes to their lives but they’ve made a real positive change on my life and they’ve provided my life and provide me and my family with things I never thought was possible.”

Brad Arthur was sacked on Monday. Picture: NRL Photos

As for the premiership the Eels lost to the Panthers in 2022, Arthur said the issue may have been the side “played their grand final the week before”.

As for what’s next, Arthur said: “I just want to coach”, adding he was “ready for the next adventure in my life”.

Fans had nothing but praise for the former Eels coach.

The Rugby League News account posted: “It shows what a good man Brad Arthur is. doing lots of media 24 hours since he lost his job and is not complaining or bitter about what’s happened, he is grateful and has spoken highly of club & it’s players. Nice to see. I’m sure he’ll have another coaching job soon.”

Journalist John Dean commented: “Just watched a couple of Brad Arthur interviews. Nice guy, feeling for him. You shouldn’t be shedding tears on your 50th birthday. I’m sure he’ll get another NRL gig in no time.”

“Just watched Brad Arthur interview he was all class,” one fan said.

Another fan said: “Just watched Brad Arthur and if nothing else he showed himself as a real class act. Sorry to see him go but hopefully not lost to Rugby League. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

A third added: “Kudos to Brad Arthur, not easy to front up after being sacked, but he has done it with grace and humility. A Good Man without doubt.”

But while there have long been calls for Arthur’s job, questions have arisen about why the Eels decided to make the call now — particularly the day before his birthday.

Erin Molan called sacking Arthur on the day before his 50th birthday as the “definition of cruelty” on 2DayFM’s Hughesy, Ed and Erin on Tuesday.

Surely they could have waited another week. Picture: NRL Imagery

Speaking on NRL 360, The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie said he thought the Eels bosses essentially “slapped him in the face”.

“I think it’s been handled disgracefully, the entire episode,” Ritchie said.

“I think it’s been disrespectful, I think they’ve shown disdain to Brad. For them to sack him on May 1 and push him out in front of the media for three more weeks while going behind his back in a deceitful manner to pursue another coach, I think it’s a disgrace and it’s cruel.”

News Corp’s Brent Read said that while some people would feel that way, they wanted to keep their pursuit of Bennett confidential and couldn’t have done that if they dismissed Arthur earlier.

Former Sharks star Dale Finucane said he thought it was “premature”.

Sea Eagles forward Aaron Woods said he “feel sorry for Brad”.

Originally published as Brad Arthur praised over ‘class act’ as axed slammed as ‘definition of cruelty’