Despite reports earlier in the weekend suggesting Parramatta coach Brad Arthur had lost the playing group, Eels players have rallied around Arthur, and have taken responsibility for the team's poor start to the season.
The Eels have begun the campaign 0-6 and are the only side this season not to register a win, although the players aren't letting the blame fall on the coach.
Sydney Morning Herald have reported Brad Takairangi posted a link to the original article in the players' group chat during the week, with the stars of the Eels deciding to turn the focus on themselves.
“It’s stupid,” Clint Gutherson told smh.com.au about the rumours suggesting there is friction between Arthur and the players.
“One of the boys saw it on Instagram and put it on the group chat.
“Everyone was furious about it because it’s a lie. He has got so much respect from all of the team and staff and the club. Someone’s just writing that just to get some hits or something.
“It’s absolutely stupid.
“We spoke about it the other day. We feel for Brad and the staff, they put so much effort into us, helping us get the win and the upper hand. They have sleepless nights trying to find ways for us to win and we keep going out there and losing.
“I feel bad for him and the staff more than ourselves. We’re letting them down and they’re going into bat for us, why we’re not winning. We’re just not playing well.”
The Eels could soon however add another experienced head to their coaching staff, with former New Zealand coach David Kidwell in talks with the Eels.
Despite Parramatta's underwhelming start, the Eels' players are still backing their coach, with utility Will Smith throwing his support behind Arthur.
“We can’t have people talking about our coach like that when it’s not right,” Smith said.
“That got under a lot of the boys’ skin, that we read that sort of stuff.
“That’s far from the truth. Everyone loves Brad and the rest of the coaching staff here.
“I haven’t been at a club where the coach works as hard as he does for the team.”
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