Parramatta eels could replace team captain with star defenseman in free…

Matt Arthur’s Parramatta teammates see similarities between the soon-to-be debutant and his father, the Eels’ former long-term coach Brad.

Parramatta confirmed on Friday that Mitch Moses would back up from his NSW State of Origin man-of-the-match performance and face Newcastle on Saturday.

And with him in the team, the Eels will back rookie dummy-half Arthur to come off the bench and debut against the Knights.

Preparations for Arthur’s first NRL game have given the Eels a rare chance for positivity amid their slide to the bottom of the ladder.

The young hooker scored the winning try for NSW in last Thursday’s U19 State of Origin match and has impressed since becoming a mainstay of the Eels’ NSW Cup side this season.

He was presented his first jersey by his mother Michelle at Parramatta training on Friday, with brother Jake also in attendance.

Brad will also be present for Saturday’s debut, having still attended all of his teenage son’s NSW Cup games since his coaching exit.

Having featured in the pre-season challenge, 19-year-old Arthur will join Matt Doorey as one of two additions to the Eels’ bench at McDonald Jones Stadium.

“He trained really hard in the pre-season. We all probably knew that he was going to get a shot this year at some stage,” second-rower Bryce Cartwright said of Arthur.

“It’s a special moment for him and his family.”

Arthur’s debut comes barely a month after the Eels sacked father Brad following a string of poor results to start his 11th season at the helm.

But the playing group has noticed the coach’s feverish dedication to his work continuing at Parramatta through his son.