Parramatta Eels shortlist down to 2 names after Matt Peet, Sam Burgess and Brian McDermott speculation

NRL side Parramatta Eels have cut their shortlist down to two names in their search for a new head coach, following the loss of Brad Arthur.

Arthur had been the head coach for a decade in Parramatta, and has never taken on the role anywhere else.

His dismissal came in May as the Eels had just three wins all season, and sat in 14th place in the table.

Former Wigan Warriors star Trent Barrett has taken over the role as interim coach, but Matt Peet, the side’s current head coach, was linked with the vacant role recently, with Code NRL suggesting that “Rumours are circulating that Peet is interested in the Eels position, even though he’s extended his deal at Wigan.”

However, he’s under contract with the Warriors until 2030, meaning that was never very likely to happen.

Another Super League name mentioned in the running for the job was Sam Burgess, who, it seems, will be linked with every single NRL head coaching role going until he does inevitably head there – likely after his contract with Warrington is up.

Wide World of Sports and Channel Nine both named him in their shortlists for the job, but he will remain in his contracted job with The Wire.