Any suggestion of nepotism at Parramatta has been shot to bits by one comment from young playmaker Jakob Arthur.
The son of head coach Brad Arthur, Jakob has copped some vile abuse at times this season, lowlighted by him being booed at CommBank Stadium when his image was projected on the stadium big screen.
Critics of the club have claimed young Arthur only gets a game in the NRL because his father is the boss.
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Ahead of Sunday’s grand final against Penrith, the accusation of nepotism at the Eels was put squarely to the youngster, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Tuesday.
“I’m probably the hardest player to pick every week, no matter what I did,” he told 9News.
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“A few times (coach Brad) said he hasn’t picked me because of all that (allegations of nepotism)… but he just does what he thinks is best for the team.”
Arthur will start on the bench against the Panthers in the grand final.
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