Parramatta have put contract negotiations with head coach Brad Arthur on hold until June, giving the embattled coach until mid-season to prove himself.
Arthur has been at the Eels for five years, but The Australian reports that CEO Bernie Gurr is not yet convinced he is the man to lead the club into the future.
“The reality is that the board and I have considered what is fair and reasonable,” Gurr told The Australian.
“So we want to put a set time frame around that. That has been discussed with Brad.
“What we think is that by saying we will review it in June, that provides a fair time period to demonstrate improved performance in the footy team.
“That is only fair to Brad, his coaching staff and the players. They have an opportunity to demonstrate improved performance.”
Parramatta were wooden spooners in 2018, rooted to the foot of the table after managing just six wins.
However, some pressure will have been relieved from Arthur as the Eels begun their 2019 campaign with a win over the Panthers on Sunday.
Parramatta will look to build some positive momentum when they face the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium this Sunday.