NRL 2021: Eels legend Brett Kenny lodges application to join Parramatta’s coaching staff

As Parramatta limps into the finals series, a hero from the last time they won has submitted his resume seeking to become an assistant coach - and he has a powerful backer.

Brett Kenny’s letter to the Eels.

Clint Gutherson has backed Brett Kenny’s bid to return to Parramatta with the Eels captain declaring the club could use the rugby league legend.

Commenting on the coaching application that Kenny made public, Gutherson predicted the Eels would have a role for his mate “Burt”.

“Obviously he is a great of the club and he has done it all as a player,” Gutherson said.

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“I think if he wants a role within the club then they will look at it. Me and Burt have been mates for a while and all he has done is try and help and if he wants to get a role I am sure they will look at it.”

Gutherson is hoping a round two win over the Storm will give the Eels confidence to cause an upset over the Storm on Saturday night.

The fullback said the team had full confidence in Blake Ferguson, who will replace injured star Maika Sivo on the wing.

King Gutho wants ‘Burt’ Kenny back at Parramatta. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Obviously the scans didn’t come back good but we have to look at the bigger picture,” Gutherson said.

“He has a lot of years ahead of him and he just has to do everything he can to get back. It is sad that he has done that but Fergo is looking good. We need him at this time of year and we need him to be at his best.”

Kenny formally submitted an employment resume to Parramatta’s seven-member board on Monday seeking to join the Eels staff next season as an assistant coach.

News Corp has obtained a copy of Kenny’s application which claims he “can make a significant impact to the performance of the NRL side”.

Brett Kenny’s letter to the Eels.

“I strongly believe I can grow and build the Parramatta Eels into a highly successful organisation. I strongly believe with my playing experience, achievements and qualifications I can make a significant impact on the performance of the Parramatta Eels and have a positive impact on the culture of the organisation.”

The 60-year-old, who won four premierships at Parramatta, hopes he can secure a dual role which includes being a junior development officer.

“This is an area I believe requires enormous attention,” he wrote.

Kenny addressed his application to Eels football club chairman, Sean McElduff, and Parramatta Leagues Club president, Greg Monaghan.

A former Golden Boot winner, Kenny listed his extensive achievements as a player for Parramatta, City, NSW, Australia and Wigan. Parramatta’s massive supporter base has always loved and respected Kenny.

Kenny confirmed his application to the board when contacted on Tuesday and revealed how he could make a difference at the Eels.

Parramatta’s coaching staff has been under pressure but a month-long losing stretch ended with victory over North Queensland last weekend.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has been offered some help. NRL Imagery

Kenny stressed he was not trying to dislodge head coach Brad Arthur and just wanted to help the club with his expertise and knowledge.

“I played at Parramatta for 13 years and won four premierships. That’s why people know me – because of the club. It’s been a long time now since the club won a premiership. I’m not saying if I’m there that will happen, but I’d like to make some improvements,” said Kenny.

“Maybe they could make some changes and I’d like to help out. It may work out, it may not – but you won’t know unless you try.

“I think I could give them more structure in defence. I don’t think these guys realise where they’re going wrong and, in attack, how to utilise certain players. There are guys there I think could be utilised a bit differently.

“Look at the top coaches who have been there a long time. They constantly change their staff. They don’t have the same people there for five, six years in a row. This is what Parramatta has to possibly look at.

“I’m quite happy to be an assistant coach and see how things work and work with the club and head coach, see how everything operates and learn.

Eels great Brett Kenny during his playing days, which included four premierships.

“The ultimate goal is to win a premiership. Everyone wants a premiership – they don’t just want to make the finals. I don’t know why but they seem to drop off at the back-end of every season.

“We won four of the five grand finals we played back in the 1980s, so I think everyone was spoilt. Everyone thought it would keep going and then all of a sudden it stopped.

“Eels supporters are now saying this has been too long and we need to get back and start winning some premierships. I will wait and see the board’s response.”

Parramatta will play finals football again this season but will likely miss a top-four spot after a wonderful start to the season.

Unbelievably, Kenny scored two tries in three successive grand finals during 1981, 1982 and 1983. He was included in the NRL’s Team of the 1980s and is a Hall of Fame inductee.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Eels legend Brett Kenny lodges application to join Parramatta’s coaching staff