Parramatta Eels are in a three-way tussle for 27-year-old…

Parramatta interim coach Trent Barrett has called for club officials to make a decision on who will officially replace Brad Arthur as soon as possible after arriving to work on Wednesday unaware of his own long-term future at the Eels.

Barrett said getting everything ‘out in the open’ could also be crucial to ensuring NSW State of Origin winger Zac Lomax didn’t backflip on his decision to join the club next year.

The Parramatta board had a meeting on Tuesday night at which it has been reported a decision was going to be made on whether Barrett, Jason Ryles, Josh Hannay or Dean Young would take the reins for 2025.

It is understood the board will not make any public announcements until after Thursday’s clash with South Sydney – and that can’t come soon enough for Barrett.

‘I think so. I think for everyone, the club and the players,’ Barrett said when asked if the club should make an announcement as soon as possible.

‘But it hasn’t really affected the players too much. They are professionals. It’s not something you go through regularly, but they do have to go through it. Their job is to play and to play well.’