Parramatta have doubled down on their faith in Brad Arthur, enacting a clause in the long-serving coach's contract to keep him at the Eels until the end of 2025.
The club confirmed on Wednesday they had extended the 48-year-old's stay beyond the end of his initial deal for 2024, which was signed before reaching last year's grand final.
The deal means Arthur's tenure at Parramatta will last for at least 12 seasons, during a period where his future has often been called into question despite regular finals appearances.
In Arthur, the Eels are confident they have a coach who can finally break their 37-year premiership drought after losing last year's decider to Penrith.
"We have come a long way as a club both on and off the field in recent years and Brad has played a major part in our success," chairman Sean McElduff said.
"Our NRL team has consistently played finals football since 2019, falling one game short of a premiership last season.
"The players love him and we've seen many of them develop and become better players under his coaching and guidance."
Confirmation of Arthur's extension reaffirms the fact he will be the longest-serving coach in the club's history, overtaking Brian Smith's 10 years at the Eels.
It also comes after Arthur indicated his desire for the extension to be activated when asked about it by media on Tuesday, with Parramatta 0-2 and facing Manly on Thursday night.
"We are heading in the right direction, and while we're proud of making it to the grand final last year, everyone at the club is determined to take it one step further this season and deliver the results that our members and fans deserve," Arthur said.
"I love being at this club and the relationships I have with our staff and our playing group.
"The best is yet to come from this team, so I'm excited to confirm my future at the club."
