Parramatta have given coach Brad Arthur until mid-season to prove himself, putting off contract negotiations until June.

The Australian is reporting Arthur has been at the club for five years and is off-contract next season, but CEO Bernie Gurr wants to be sure he is the right man to take them forward — particularly after last year’s wooden spoon.

This is in contrast to contract negotiations at the Bulldogs and the Dragons, who have already begun talks with their head coaches in order to end speculation around their 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.”

Gurr said the June deadline was decided after looking at the draw, and the commitment to give Arthur a fair and reasonable time to find success with the playing group.

A host of players will come off contract for the Eels at the end of the year including Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses. Gutherson has a close relationship with Arthur and it is believed he may hold off his own contract talks until the coach’s future has been determined.