Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur caught up with Fox Sports’ reporter Lara Pitt on the Monday Night with Matty Johns Show to chat about Kieran Foran and injuries.
Arthur, who commented for the first time about Foran agreeing to terms with the Eels for the next four years, said the 24 year-old would be great for the Blue and Gold.
“It’s great for our club, it’s great for our fans,” said Arthur of the news.
“Our fans have been through some tough times for a long period so hopefully he is going to help us take the club forward.”
With Foran coming to the Blue and Gold in 2016, the Eels Head Coach stressed that the current roster would not be changed or moved to accommodate for the new addition to the squad.
“What it means for the rest of our playing squad is that we don’t need to move anyone or lose anyone just because Kieran is coming here.”
“Our focus needs be on the remainder of this year and it’s only Round Two, and we will take on the Warriors this week, which will be a tough game.”
With the Foran news occurring early in the season, Arthur commented on the NRL signing procedure and whether the Eels would be celebrating a big name signing in Round Two.
“I have no idea on what the best way of doing it is. It’s a 50/50. At least both clubs can move forward now” Arthur said.
“If you get the information late in the year then you are trying to replace a star half” he added.
“It’s not ideal for either club, but Kieran will go on and finish the year strong at Manly and we have to make sure we put ourselves in a position to be playing at the right end of the year.”
With the Eels faced with numerous injuries after their brutal and bruising encounter against the Bulldogs in Round Two, Arthur gave a little insight into their recovery.
“Semi is anywhere from 8-12 weeks. We need to find out some more results there,” Arthur said.
“Chrissy is 50/50.”
“Young Tepai is nursing a shoulder injury but we don’t think there is anything there structural.”
“He is a tough kid but I am sure he will back up this week,” he added.
Whilst the injuries will see a different Blue and Gold backline to take on the Warriors, Arthur was confident in the Eels depth to cover the losses.
“It’s hard to replace somebody of Semi’s calibre but what we have is plenty of depth and plenty of young kids here,” Arthur said.
“We had a bit of a look at them at training today and we will make a decision on Wednesday.”
“But it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up” he added.
To watch the interview with Fox Sports reporter Lara Pitt, click here.
