As the Parramatta Eels begin the search for a new head coach following Brad Arthur’s sacking, one individual has been removed from the potential candidates list after reportedly earning a head coaching role.
An assistant with the Brisbane Broncos since the end of the 2020 season, John Cartwright will not coach the Parramatta Eels for next season.
The right-hand man to Broncos coach Kevin Walters, it is understood that he will inform players of the move on Tuesday and is the third coaching change in the past two days after Brad Arthur’s sacking and the appointment of Wayne Bennett to the Rabbitohs.
Cartwright’s previous stints include working as an assistant coach at the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles, North Queensland Cowboys and Broncos.
He is also a previous head coach of the Gold Coast Titans, coaching them for eight seasons from 2007 to 2014, which included guiding them to the Preliminary Final in the 2010 season.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to be welcoming back Wayne Bennett as the Club’s Head Coach for the next three seasons from 2025 onwards.
Bennett is regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, having coached over 900 games with NRL Clubs and over 1100 first grade and representative games since the 1970s, claiming seven premierships with the Broncos and Dragons, as well Grand Final appearances with the Rabbitohs and Raiders.
He also won a premiership with Brisbane Souths in 1985 and six State of Origin series with Queensland, most recently in 2020.
Bennett has also had enormous success at the international level, coaching Australia, England and Great Britain at various times throughout his coaching career.
Bennett was the Rabbitohs’ Head Coach between 2019 and 2021, taking the Club to preliminary final appearances in the first two years and the Grand Final in his final season in charge of South Sydney.
Bennett’s on-field success is complemented by his ability to assist players and staff off-the-field, renowned as one of Australian sports’ great people-managers.
