If any NRL coach knows how Nathan Brown feels in Newcastle, it’s Sunday’s opponent in Brad Arthur.
Last year, the Parramatta coach found himself in the same predicament as Brown. He came into the season with over-hyped expectation surrounding his football side and they didn’t deliver.
Pressure over his future naturally followed.
As the under-fire Brown himself put it during the week, last season Arthur and Ricky Stuart “were apparently the two worst coaches in the world”.
Now they both sit among the competition’s front runners.
“I’ve been in that situation for six years at the start of the year,” Arthur said.
“I’m sure every coach would say it’s what we sign up for and it’s part of the job. It’s why we love the job, too.
“But there is a lot of luck. A few moments can change the whole momentum of games and results – a 50-50 call can change momentum and then, on the back of that, confidence can come into it.”
Arthur also knows how dangerous a team who are desperate for a win can be.
Not only do the Knights need one for Brown’s job security, but history shows only four teams have made the finals since 1954 when winning just one of their first seven games.
“The boys are aware (of the Knights’ threat), because we were in that position last year,” Arthur said.
“No NRL team goes out there trying to lose and is happy with where they sit if they’re not performing well.”
Parramatta prop Daniel Alvaro has been ruled out of the away trip through concussion, with Manu Ma’u to replace him on return from a knee injury.
Blake Ferguson also remains a chance to beat his rib injury and play.
The Eels also have their own challenges.
Arthur admitted Sunday would be a test of their “want and desire” after the emotional high of Monday’s new stadium opening.
The off-contract Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses continue to star despite negotiations hanging over their heads.
“You might think there are distractions (with contracts), but there are none,” Arthur said.
“It was a tough year last year and no one wants to go through that.
“They just want to make sure they keep playing their best footy each and every week for their teammates so they can be honest and accountable with each other.”
STATS THAT MATTER:
* Parramatta are the only team Newcastle have a winning record against since 2010
* Newcastle have scored only two of their 14 tries from kicks
* Parramatta lead the NRL for run metres (1547 per game).
(Stats: Fox Sports)
