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’s players knew who Matt Arthur was.

The son of former Eels head coach Brad Arthur was a regular from the age of 12 at the club’s Kellyville training headquarters, usually shadowing his old man in fitness drills.

While Trent Barrett is now at the helm in an interim capacity as the club continue to deliberate who will take over in 2025, it is time for another Arthur to be ushered into the spotlight.

And his new teammates have no doubt the 19-year-old will handle the occasion on Saturday against the Knights.

‘When I first started training NRL, Matt was there doing fitness with us. He was always in and amongst the club,’ five-eighth Dylan Brown said.

‘He was good to have around, watching him run past all the forwards.

‘He’s a great representation of his dad….he works hard and he puts everything into everything he does.’

Backrower Bryce Cartwright stated the NSW under-19s dummy half is one to watch.

The son of former Eels head coach Brad Arthur was a regular in recent years at the club’s Kellyville training headquarters, usually shadowing his old man in fitness drills

‘He trained really hard in the pre-season. We all probably knew that he was going to get a shot this year at some stage,’ Cartwright said.

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

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

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

‘Matt deserves his spot. We have known that his debut would come. It was about picking the right time.’

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