Good news: Parramatta Eels has just announced a news head coach

Parramatta officials are confident the current squad is capable of winning an NRL premiership as they commence the search for a new head coach who can deliver immediate results.

The Eels parted ways with former coach Brad Arthur on Monday afternoon, just 18 months after he led the team to the grand final.

“What we’ll be looking for is what we think is the best coach for our club,” Sarantinos said.

“We think we’ve still got a really strong roster. We think we’ve got a roster that will appeal to any incoming coach and we want someone who’s been involved in a winning program and someone who’s been around a high-performing culture.

“Whether that’s an experienced coach or someone who might be picking up their first opportunity as a head coach, we’ll identify what we think is best for our club.”

Sarantinos and Eels chairman Sean McElduff defended their decision to launch a clandestine effort to convince Bennett to sign with Parramatta rather than the Rabbitohs.

The attempt was made without informing Arthur before Bennett ultimately decided to sign with South Sydney. The Rabbitohs officially announced the master coach as their new mentor on Tuesday morning.

The focus for the Eels now turns to signing Arthur’s replacement, with officials refusing to put a timeline on the process.

NRL 2020: Trent Barrett to Bulldogs, contract, signed, Canterbury-Bankstown, Penrith Panthers

Michael Maguire, John Morris, Justin Holbrook, Michael Cheika and Jason Demetriou been linked to the role, while Sarantinos said they will consider people without head coaching experiences, bringing the likes of Jason Ryles into the frame.

Trent Barrett has been installed as interim coach and will lead the team for this first time in Saturday’s clash with the Rabbitohs.