Why Matt Arthur’s NRL debut for Eels was years in the making – as his father Brad eyes off coaching role in Perth with proposed new NRL franchise

Long before he was named to make his NRL debut this week, Parramatta players knew who Matt Arthur was.

The son of former Eels head coach Brad Arthur, he was a regular at the club’s training centre in Kellyville from the age of 12, usually accompanying his father on fitness exercises.

With Trent Barrett now at the helm as an interim while the club continues to deliberate on who will take over in 2025, it is time for a new Arthur to step into the spotlight.

And his new teammates have no doubt that the 19-year-old will get the job done in Saturday’s game against the Knights.

“When I first started training at NRL, Matt was there to do fitness with us. He was always in and among the club,” said five-eighth Dylan Brown.

‘It was nice to have him there, you saw him run past all the attackers.

“He’s a great representation of his father…he works hard and gives everything he does.”

Backrower Bryce Cartwright said the NSW under-19 dummy half is one to keep an eye on.

“He trained really hard in pre-season. We probably all knew he was going to get a chance at some point this year,” Cartwright said.

“It’s a special moment for him and his family.”

Barrett pointed to the teenager’s strong form in the NSW Cup as having impressed them the most.

“He’s probably one of our best and most consistent players. I think it’s important that we reward that form as well,” he said.

‘Matt deserves his place. We knew his debut was coming. It was about choosing the right moment.’

Meanwhile, it is understood Brad Arthur met with representatives from Perth’s expansion bid this week to discuss a return to coaching with the said 18th NRL team.