Eric Newbigging Announces Departure from Parramatta Eels to Join Penrith Panthers
In a significant move for both the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers, Eric Newbigging, a pivotal member of the Eels’ coaching staff, has confirmed he will be departing the club to join the reigning NRL champions for the 2025 season. Newbigging’s decision to leave Parramatta after a long tenure with the Eels has come as a surprise to many within the rugby league community, but it signals a new chapter in his coaching career.
A Long-Standing Relationship with Parramatta
Eric Newbigging’s time at Parramatta Eels has been marked by steady progress and a reputation for developing players and systems that have brought success to the club. As the Eels’ Head of Performance, Newbigging played a vital role in the team’s fitness programs, rehabilitation processes, and overall player welfare. His knowledge of the game and leadership in training helped build a squad that was competitive at the highest level.
During his time at Parramatta, Newbigging became an integral figure behind the scenes, playing a part in the team’s rise in the NRL standings and their consistent performances, including a strong finals campaign in recent seasons. His departure marks the end of an era, with many in the Eels organization praising his professionalism and dedication.
New Opportunity with Penrith Panthers
Penrith Panthers, who have dominated the NRL in recent years with multiple premiership titles, were quick to secure Newbigging’s services for the 2025 season. The Panthers have been looking to strengthen their coaching structure to maintain their dominance, and the addition of Newbigging is expected to further boost their high-performance programs.
Newbigging’s move to Penrith comes at a time when the club is gearing up for another strong premiership bid. The Panthers have a reputation for producing high-performing athletes, and they view Newbigging as the ideal candidate to continue developing the next generation of players. With his extensive experience in player performance and his track record at Parramatta, Newbigging will be tasked with ensuring Penrith’s athletes remain at their peak as they strive for more success.
Penrith’s head coach, Ivan Cleary, expressed his excitement about Newbigging’s arrival, stating, “Eric is an outstanding coach, and his expertise in high-performance environments will add significant value to our team. We’re excited to work with him and believe he can help our squad continue to evolve.”
Parramatta Eels’ Reaction to the Departure
Parramatta Eels have responded to Newbigging’s departure with a sense of understanding and support, acknowledging his contributions to the club. Club CEO Jim Sarantinos stated, “While we are sad to see Eric leave, we understand that this is a great opportunity for him to continue growing in his career. We thank him for his incredible work over the years and wish him all the best in his new role at Penrith.”
Many players who worked closely with Newbigging during his time at Parramatta expressed their gratitude for his guidance and mentorship. “Eric has been a massive influence on my career, both in terms of performance and mindset,” said one Eels player, who preferred to remain anonymous. “He’s taught us how to approach the game at the highest level, and we’ll all miss having him around.”
A New Chapter for Eric Newbigging
For Newbigging, the decision to move to Penrith represents an exciting opportunity to continue growing professionally and work with one of the most successful teams in recent NRL history. “I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Parramatta and the relationships I’ve built there, but this opportunity with Penrith is one that I couldn’t pass up,” Newbigging said in a statement. “I look forward to the challenge of contributing to the continued success of the Panthers and helping to drive high performance within their program.”
As Newbigging prepares to transition to his new role, the Eels will be tasked with finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by his departure. His contributions to Parramatta have been significant, and his absence will be felt across the club. However, with a strong coaching staff already in place, the Eels are expected to continue their upward trajectory in the years to come.
Eric Newbigging’s departure from Parramatta to Penrith marks the end of a chapter for the Eels, but it also signals the beginning of an exciting new phase for both the coach and the Panthers.
