LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Parramatta under fire after 'pathetic' loss as Brad Arthur fights for NRL coaching gig
Brad Arthur's future as coach of the Parramatta Eels is in jeopardy following their lackluster performance in the NRL.
Despite leading 8-4 at halftime, Arthur's team suffered a humiliating 44-16 defeat to the Dolphins in Darwin, even with the opposing team missing key players.
Arthur didn't hold back in his criticism of the team, accusing them of "giving up" and labeling them a "part-time footy side".
Seasoned league journalist Phil Rothfield didn't mince words either, calling the performance "pathetic" and suggesting that Arthur may have lost the support of his players after a disastrous second half.
"This was an epic collapse, with eight tries scored against us in just 25 minutes.
It was woeful up in Darwin.
Woeful," Rothfield remarked on the Big Sports Breakfast show.
"Brad admitted they quit.
It's the coach's responsibility to have the team prepared, and clearly, they are not playing for him.
It's glaringly obvious."
This isn't the first time this season that doubts have been raised about Arthur's coaching abilities, with reports in April linking legendary coach Wayne Bennett to a role at Parramatta.
Despite the speculation, Arthur remains confident in his position and believes that the club's management has faith in him.
As the pressure mounts, Arthur must rally his team and secure some wins to prove his worth as the Eels coach.
The clock is ticking, and the fate of his coaching career hangs in the balance.