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Eels' contract saga part of NRL: Arthur

3 minute read

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur isn't expecting veteran prop Tim Mannah to miss an extended period of NRL action with a foot injury.

KANE EVANS of the Roosters in action during the NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia.
KANE EVANS of the Roosters in action during the NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

Brad Arthur was in the middle of his weekly media interview on Saturday when Clint Gutherson walked by and shouted: 'Are we going to win tomorrow, Brad?"

To which the Parramatta coach retorted: "If you have a go Clint, we will."

It was a minuscule insight into the relationship between captain and coach, both of whom are under increasing pressure to earn new contracts this season.

Only 2000 tickets remain for the Eels' second game at new home Bankwest Stadium on Sunday when they host St George Illawarra.

But questions remain on who exactly will be wearing blue-and-gold beyond this season, with Arthur, Gutherson and halfback Mitchell Moses the biggest names.

The Eels' patient approach has been criticised by some in league land, and it reached a flashpoint this week when Gutherson hit out at accusations of being greedy.

However, Arthur remains unmoved by the off-field wrangling and even suggested an announcement could be imminent.

"Look, it's what it is. It's part of the game. The pleasing thing is, the club is very keen to keep those players. The players want to stay," he said.

"I'm sure something would be sorted out sooner than later. But it's always easier when both parties are comfortable with where it's at."

Both Gutherson and Moses have been in strong form over the opening seven weeks of the competition, leading the league in a number of statistical categories.

Gutherson, 24, is first in line break assists, equal third in try assists, third in running metres and fourth in support play.

Moses, also 24, is fifth in pointscoring in his first season as the chief playmaker following the departure of Corey Norman to the Dragons.

Sunday's clash will be the first time Norman faces off against his former teammates since being granted permission to leave with one year left on his deal.

"It's hard to have two dominant playmakers that both want to control the team so it's worked out well for the Dragons and for Parramatta," Arthur said.

"We knew throughout (last) year, we were struggling in that area."

Now Moses is thriving as the go-to guy, alongside youngster Jaeman Salmon.

"He's enjoying the extra responsibility. He's enjoying the extra pressure that comes with that role," Arthur said of Moses.

"He's got good help around him. I think we've got a young spine, but they're all contributing and playing their role.

"They know exactly what their job is and not overstepping the mark and they're allowing each other to do their job."

STATS THAT MATTER

* The Eels have won seven of their past eight games against the Dragons, including the final game at Pirtek Stadium before its rebuild.

* Eels rake Reed Mahoney leads the league in tackles so far this year with 312, just ahead of Dragons counterpart Cameron McInnes' 310.

* Eels rookie Maika Sivo leads the league in line breaks this year with nine.

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