Parramatta could lose more than just competition points, with the embattled club in danger of losing its coach and captain if it doesn't get its house in order.
Brad Arthur has been a rock for the Eels as the club has lurched from one catastrophe to the next, somehow insulating his team from the constant spot fires sparked by a bumbling board and administration.
Arthur is Parramatta to the core, having grown up in the region, played his junior footy for Seven Hills and always aspired to become involved with the blue and golds. He knocked back a $1 million per season offer to replace Geoff Toovey at Manly at a time when the Eels were reneging on a promised contract extension worth half that amount because of his love for the club.
While the former Melbourne assistant wants to stay put following the latest salary cap dramas, there is a danger he will become worn down if the NRL doesn't clean out the officials holding the club back as part of its probe into dodgy third-party deals. The Eels have a raft of players coming off contract over the next 18 months and the majority want to stay and play for Arthur, but no one can commit with so much uncertainty during the governing body's probe. Recruitment is also an issue. There are only two clubs that North Queensland prop James Tamou will consider joining should he return to Sydney, the Roosters and Parramatta. Unfortunately, the latter may not be in a position to make him an offer pending the NRL's sanctions.
On Friday, officials again hung Arthur out to dry, leaving him to field salary cap questions during his weekly press conference because those responsible for the mess refuse to do so.
Skipper Kieran Foran has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if Arthur does. Which is all the more reason for the club to get itself in order and ensure the coach stays put long term.
