Club dismisses head coach is under pressure following speculation

Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantino has spoken out against claims that Brad Arthur’s job is at risk, following a third loss in a row at the weekend – this time to South Sydney.

The Eels were comprehensively beaten 40-12 on Friday, with the distance between them and the Rabbitohs now eight points as Parramatta instead look over their shoulders at the teams enjoying a last-minute play-off charge.

Parramatta are said to be “confident” that Arthur can turn things around after shooting out of the blocks at the beginning of the year.

The Eels won nine of their first ten NRL games, but their top four spot looks increasingly precarious as the business end of the season approaches.

Eels CEO Jim Sarantino told The Sydney Morning Herald that he will back Arthur for 2022 after the head coach has done so well in transforming Parramatta from basement dwellers to silverware hunters.

“He’s done a really good job the last few years taking the club forward,” Sarantino said.

“At the end of the day we’ve had a rough few weeks — we’ve had three tough weeks where we’ve been below our best and the guys need to regain some confidence.

“I’m confident Brad and the leaders can (help us regain that confidence).

“What we’ve seen the last few weeks is not reflective of our footy team. We’re in the position we’re in (top four) because we’re a good football team.

“It’s important everyone focuses on what is immediately ahead of us because we still have an opportunity to get back to playing our best football before we get to the finals.”