Brad Arthur contract extension: Parramatta Eels set to re-sign head coach until 2025

Brad Arthur has signed a new head coaching contract that will make him the longest-serving coach in Parramatta history.

The 48-year-old led the Eels to the grand final in 2022 and although his current contract has almost two years left, the club have opted to trigger a third-year option.

“We’re going in the right direction,” Arthur said on Wednesday.

“While we are proud to have reached the Grand Final last year, everyone at the club is determined to go the extra mile this season and deliver the results our members and fans deserve.

“I love being at this club and the relationships I have with our staff and our playgroup.

“The best is yet to come from this team so I’m looking forward to confirming my future at the club.”

MORE: Nathan Brown granted early release from his Parramatta deal to sign with the Roosters

How long has Brad Arthur re-signed with Parramatta?

After the crushing disappointment of losing last year’s grand final to Penrith, Arthur ended months of speculation about his future by signing an extension.

Just weeks into the new campaign, Arthur has again reached an agreement with the Eels hierarchy for a one-year extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2025.

“We’ve come a long way as Cclub both on and off the pitch over the past few years and Brad has played a huge part in our success,” said Sean McElduff, chairman of the Parramatta Eels.

“Our NRL team have consistently played finals football since 2019 and fell a game short of a Premiership last season.

“The players love him and we have seen many of them develop and become better players under his coaching and guidance.

Who is the longest-serving coach in Parramatta history?

Brian Smith currently holds the record for coaching most games in Parramatta history with 244 games from 1997 to 2006.

However, Arthur is nearing that milestone, having managed blue and gold for 232 games to date, having taken the reins in 2014.

He will surely eclipse Smith’s landmark as he tries to end an agonizing 37-year Premier League drought.

Parramatta have had nine managers since John Monie led the club to prime ministership in 1986, but all have failed to lead the Eels to that elusive title.

They’ve had three near misses in that span – losing to Newcastle in 2001, The Storm in 2009 and last year’s 28-12 loss to Ivan Cleary’s men.

Will Mitchell Moses re-sign with Eels?

The biggest topic of conversation surrounding Parramatta in recent months has been the future of star halfback Mitchell Moses, who has received a lucrative offer to return to the Wests Tigers in 2024.

The 28-year-old is in talks to stay with the Eels and his manager is hoping to keep his services.

“I know Mitchy is still (negotiating) right now, but he still has a contract for next year,” Arthur said.

“All I’ve seen from Mitch is that he wants to stay at the club … the majority of the guys are still here for next year and the years beyond.”