It seems Parramatta won’t be short on options to replace sacked Brad Arthur as coach of the NRL team.

Barely three days since the club brutally axed Arthur from the role, a handful of contenders are lining up to fill the position.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Eels powerbrokers met with the manager of Josh Hannay on Thursday.

Hannay has been interim coach of both the Cowboys and Sharks previously, as well as working with Queensland’s Origin team for a number of years.

Meanwhile former Dragons head coach Paul McGregor has confirmed his interest in replacing Arthur, whom he worked under when the Eels made the grand final in 2022.

McGregor coached the Dragons for seven years but was sacked in 2020.

He’s also worked under former NSW coach Brad Fittler in the Blues set-up since then.

“I haven’t lost the passion for coaching and if the club is interested, I’d be happy to speak to them,” McGregor told the Herald of Parramatta.

McGregor and Hannay will have a fight on their hands after Melbourne gave Jason Ryles their blessing to speak with the Eels.

Ryles worked under Roosters coach Trent Robinson, as well as in England’s rugby program under Eddie Jones.

He is widely considered the next NRL coach-in-waiting.

It was assumed Ryles would be the next Storm head coach after he returned to the club last year, but now Craig Bellamy has committed to going around again in 2025, blocking Ryles’ path.

“We don’t want him to go but it’s not very often that you get those sort of opportunities so if he wanted to go I wouldn’t imagine we would stand in his way,” Bellamy said on Wednesday.

“He’s doing a really good job for us.

“He’s doing some defence with our ruck but he’s also taken on the role as leadership coach and a bit in recruitment. We’re mixing things up for him.”

Michael Maguire and Billy Slater have been floated as potential candidates, but will be more focused on their looming Origin clash as coaches of NSW and Queensland respectively.