Ricky Stuart has signed a three-year deal to coach struggling NRL club Parramatta.
The NSW State of Origin coach will take over at the Eels for the 2013 NRL campaign onwards.
Stuart takes over from Stephen Kearney who vacated the role last week with the Eels last on the ladder with just four wins from 18 matches this year.
"I'm really excited about a huge challenge here ahead of me," said Stuart.
"The opportunity to have an involvement with a club that historically has had a powerful and proud presence in our game greatly appealed to me."
When asked whether he would continue as NSW Origin coach, Stuart said he was keen to remain in the post in 2013.
"It hasn't been offered to me. That's not a decision for me," said Stuart.
"I'm certainly not walking away from Origin. I loved Origin. I don't need to try to explain that. I'm not walking away."
Stuart, who has coached NSW for the past two years, said he'd be meeting with NSW officials next week to discuss this year's series and he has unfinished business after failing to end Queensland's streak of seven series wins.
"There's still a part of me that's empty because I didn't win," said Stuart.
"All I wanted to do was win for NSW people, supporters and our players. But the decision is not up to me."
Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo said Stuart's signing is set to have an immediate impact.
"We are confident he will be a success at the Eels and will ensure our club returns to its position as a premiership force," said Spagnolo.
"We look forward to seeing him in the blue and gold."
