Leeds Rhinos have finally replaced Rohan Smith with reports from down under emerging that former Parramatta Eels head coach Brad Arthur has signed a deal at the club until the end of the season.
It’s been over two weeks since Rohan Smith departed the club, Smith and the club parting ways just 48 hours before their game against Leigh Leopards. That game was overseen by interim head coach Chev Walker who will also oversee today’s match against London Broncos.
Per these recent reports from The Daily Telegraph, that will be the last game that Walker oversees with Brad Arthur expected to fly out to England this week and take charge of Leeds Rhinos for the remainder of the season
Worrying for Leeds Rhinos is the fact that Brad Arthur would appear to just be a stop-gap with The Daily Telegraph reporting that the ex-Eels coach refused a longer-term deal because he will become Perth’s head coach when they become the NRL’s 18th franchise.
As such, the 50-year-old has only agreed to a deal to take on the Leeds Rhinos job until the end of the season with just 12 games remaining for the club to make the playoffs. Just this week, interim boss Chev Walker had explained he was unaware of the timeline for a new head coach to be appointed
It’s expected that Leeds Rhinos will announce the appointment of Brad Arthur early next week with The Telegraph reporting that the 50-year-old will fly out and oversee the remainder of the season
Whilst it’s a big coup to land such an esteemed head coach, there will be questions asked about the nature of the deal being so short. Leeds Rhinos fans might have hoped for a longer-term appointment so that a head coach could use the remainder of this season to plan ahead for 2025 and beyond.
As it is currently reported, Arthur would depart at the end of the current campaign and leave Leeds Rhinos in the exact same situation again, albeit with a full off-season to find a replacement.
Only last night, Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks listed Arthur among six names that were in contention to be the next Leeds Rhinos boss.
The Australian presenter explained: “They are still searching for their next head coach. Paul Rowley and Brad Arthur are still in contention, as are Justin Morgan and Justin Holbrook.
“You’ve also got Dean Young and Jason Demetriou. What I do know is that the club are determined and eager to make a decision and make a decision quickly.”
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/reports- ... eal-94284/
RHINOSLeeds Rhinos set to appoint Brad Arthur on short-term deal
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josie andrews
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RHINOSLeeds Rhinos set to appoint Brad Arthur on short-term deal
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
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josie andrews
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- Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:17 pm
- Location: Wigan
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Re: RHINOSLeeds Rhinos set to appoint Brad Arthur on short-term deal
Brad Arthur's Leeds Rhinos role confirmed as Ian Blease outlines future plans
The Rhinos have confirmed the arrival of the Australian on a short-term deal.
Brad Arthur has been named as Leeds Rhinos' new head coach on an interim basis. The Australian, currently a free agent after leaving Parramatta Eels during the season, has been placed in charge with immediate effect.
Assistant coaches Chev Walker and Scott Grix will be in charge for Thursday's game with Warrington Wolves, though it is hoped that the 50-year-old will be in attendance for the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, albeit in a watching capacity.
Sporting Director, Ian Blease, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of a highly experienced coach in Brad Arthur for the remainder of this season. Having a vacancy at this time of year has its own challenges with some of our other options committed to their current clubs. Brad is keen to get started and is heading to England now, he hopes to be at Thursday’s game against Warrington Wolves to get his first look at the team. We have seen at times this year the potential for this squad and Brad’s challenge will be to get more consistency from this group.
"I have always said that we would not rush into long term decisions for the good of the club. We recently announced new contracts for 15 of our brightest young stars, and Brad’s appointment gives us the opportunity to focus on the current season whilst I can continue to build our long term vision.”
Arthur, who has 264 games of experience at NRL level, succeeds Rohan Smith following his departure last month. Leeds are currently seventh in Super League, two points adrift of the play-offs. He spent over a decade with the Eels and guided them to the NRL Grand Final in 2022.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... e-29513373
The Rhinos have confirmed the arrival of the Australian on a short-term deal.
Brad Arthur has been named as Leeds Rhinos' new head coach on an interim basis. The Australian, currently a free agent after leaving Parramatta Eels during the season, has been placed in charge with immediate effect.
Assistant coaches Chev Walker and Scott Grix will be in charge for Thursday's game with Warrington Wolves, though it is hoped that the 50-year-old will be in attendance for the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, albeit in a watching capacity.
Sporting Director, Ian Blease, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of a highly experienced coach in Brad Arthur for the remainder of this season. Having a vacancy at this time of year has its own challenges with some of our other options committed to their current clubs. Brad is keen to get started and is heading to England now, he hopes to be at Thursday’s game against Warrington Wolves to get his first look at the team. We have seen at times this year the potential for this squad and Brad’s challenge will be to get more consistency from this group.
"I have always said that we would not rush into long term decisions for the good of the club. We recently announced new contracts for 15 of our brightest young stars, and Brad’s appointment gives us the opportunity to focus on the current season whilst I can continue to build our long term vision.”
Arthur, who has 264 games of experience at NRL level, succeeds Rohan Smith following his departure last month. Leeds are currently seventh in Super League, two points adrift of the play-offs. He spent over a decade with the Eels and guided them to the NRL Grand Final in 2022.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... e-29513373
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan