Video captures NRL coach’s post-game tears in footy season’s best moment

Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur is not known for his emotional displays but the scenes following the debut of son Jakob have won hearts across the league.

While the NRL’s Magic Round was dominated by talk of the NRL’s crackdown on high shots, one moment in particular between the Arthur boys was one of the great takeaways from the weekend.

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Jakob made his debut one to remember after taking the place of regular five-eighth Dylan Brown, who was out suspended, helping the Eels to a 34-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors.

With five minutes remaining, the 18-year-old playmaker showed plenty of maturity, taking the line on to split the Warriors’ defence before slamming the ball down for a try.

His teammates were ecstatic and his normally even-tempered coach and father Brad high above the stadium was transformed into just another proud dad — punching the air in a rare show of emotion.

Brad Arthur reacts to his son’s first try.Source:FOX SPORTS

While the Fox League cameras also showed the Arthur family in the stands celebrating, it was Brad’s reaction that showed how much it meant to the family.

That Brad Arthur reaction was the best ever!!!#NRLMagicRound

Reece Walsh and Jake Arthur just put the “Magic” back into Magic Round! #NRLMagicRound

Arthur Sr. comes from the old school of coaching but he was clearly overwhelmed after the Magic Round match. The Eels social media team posted a video on Tuesday capturing the emotional moment father and son embraced in the sheds after the match.

Brad couldn’t hold back the tears.

NRL reporter Zac Bailey tweeted: “Absolutely love this! BA is notorious for not showing much emotion (especially his softer side) publicly, but this moment shows how much Jake’s debut meant to him as a father, who just saw his son fulfil his dream. Special stuff.

“One of the real highlights from #NRLMagicRound.”

Journalist John Baldock wrote: “This is a wonderful moment bw father and son that all can enjoy watching. It goes above who you support or even what your favourite sport is.

“What I’m hoping though, is that the pride in his own son being in 1st grade will inspire the entire team to greatness and win the comp.”

CHECK OUT THE EMOTIONAL MOMENT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE

The emotional moment between father and son.Source:Twitter

Before the match Brad, who had resisted giving his son a debut earlier in the season, said: “There’s only one (reason I wouldn’t pick him) and that’s because of his surname — and that wouldn’t be right.”

After the game, Jakob said he was grateful for the opportunity, with friends and family in the stands having driven 10 hours to see him play.

“It’s unbelievable, you can’t put it into words,” he told Fox League after the game. “You dream about those things to happen, unreal for them to happen.”

In his post-match press conference, Brad was still feeling emotional, thanking the playing group for making it a special day for the Arthur family.

“The boys weren’t going to do anything else but win for him,” he said.

“It was a long week and then when we go to kick-off, I just wanted the game to be over to tell you the truth.

“I’m proud of the playing group and they made it a special day for me and my family.”

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