“I Needed It”: Former Parramatta Coach Brad Arthur Reflects on Eels Sacking and His Burning Desire to Coach in the NRL Again
In an emotional and remarkably candid interview, former Parramatta Eels head coach Brad Arthur has opened up for the first time since his shock mid-season sacking earlier this year. Speaking with a calm sense of reflection and newfound clarity, the 50-year-old mentor admitted that while the departure “hurt like hell,” it ultimately gave him something he desperately needed — time to breathe, reset, and rediscover his passion for the game he’s devoted his life to.
“I needed it,” Arthur confessed, leaning back with a thoughtful smile. “I didn’t realise how exhausted I was until it all stopped. For years, I’d been running on adrenaline, trying to keep the boys motivated, the club stable, and the fans proud. When it ended, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me — but in hindsight, it was the best thing that could’ve happened. It forced me to stop and look at who I was outside of rugby league.”
Arthur’s sacking from Parramatta, the club he coached for over a decade, sent shockwaves through the NRL community. Under his leadership, the Eels had climbed from the depths of inconsistency to become a genuine premiership contender, culminating in their 2022 Grand Final appearance. Yet by mid-2024, a string of poor performances and mounting pressure from fans and media saw the club’s board decide it was time for change.
At the time, Arthur remained dignified, issuing a short statement thanking the players and supporters. But now, months later, he’s ready to share what was really going through his mind.
“The day I got the call, I was gutted,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘That’s it — I’ve failed.’ You put your whole heart into a club, and suddenly you’re out. But once the dust settled, I started to see things differently. I’d been so focused on fixing problems and chasing results that I’d stopped enjoying the process. Losing the job made me fall back in love with coaching.”
Since his departure, Arthur has taken time away from the NRL spotlight, travelling overseas, spending more time with family, and even visiting other sporting codes to learn new coaching philosophies. He revealed he’s spent time observing both AFL and rugby union teams, eager to broaden his tactical understanding and leadership style.
“I wanted to learn, not just about the game, but about people,” Arthur said. “Watching how other sports manage culture and resilience was eye-opening. It reminded me that good coaching isn’t about barking orders — it’s about connection, trust, and communication. I feel like I’ve grown more in the past few months than I did in my last few seasons.”
But make no mistake — Brad Arthur isn’t done yet. Far from it. The veteran coach says his competitive fire is burning stronger than ever, and he’s determined to make a triumphant return to the NRL when the right opportunity arises.
“I’m ready,” he declared confidently. “I’ve had my break, I’ve learned my lessons, and now I want to get back into it. I know I’ve still got plenty to give. Coaching is who I am — it’s in my blood. I’m not chasing a job just to prove a point. I want to be somewhere that shares my vision, where I can help build something special again.”
As for where that might be, Arthur remains tight-lipped, though rumors have linked him with several clubs potentially eyeing coaching changes ahead of the 2026 season. Insiders suggest his name has been mentioned in discussions at both Canterbury and St. George Illawarra, though Arthur insists he’s in no rush.
“I’m not putting pressure on myself,” he said. “When the right door opens, I’ll know. Until then, I’m enjoying being a dad, watching footy as a fan, and staying involved in the game in whatever way I can.”
In typical Brad Arthur fashion, the interview ended not with bitterness, but with gratitude.
“I’ll always love Parramatta,” he said quietly. “That club gave me a chance, and I’ll never forget that. We built something to be proud of, and I hope they go on to win a premiership soon. As for me — I’m not done yet. I’m just getting started again.”
For a man once defined by relentless work ethic and fiery sideline passion, Brad Arthur’s calm resilience is perhaps the clearest sign of all — that sometimes, stepping away isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter.
