Brad Arthur has stated that there is “definitely a lot of interest” from down under among players potentially moving to Leeds Rhinos, something that the Australian revealed at his first official press conference.
Arthur has spoken with the media previously but at the time Chev Walker was still in interim charge of the club with Leeds Rhinos opting for Walker to take charge of the fixture against Warrington Wolves last week given Arthur only arrived in the country the day before after being confirmed as the club’s new head coach.
The 50-year-old Australian did speak with Sky Sports and also to the press after the game but his job officially started on Friday and today marked the first time he’d be previewing a game with the media.
Understandably questions were focused on his future and what is next, something that’s quite ironic given he’s been in the role for just five days, but one key line of questioning focused around the suggestion that Arthur has already recommended players to Sporting Director Ian Blease.
That idea emerged courtesy of Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin who, ahead of Thursday night’s game against Warrington, claimed: “I was chatting to a few Leeds executives in the tunnel and he has made recommendations already.”
Brad Arthur has now provided further insight into his possible influence on Leeds Rhinos transfer policy.
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Brad Arthur reveals NRL players interested in Leeds Rhinos switch
Credit: Imago Images
When asked about the fact Ian Blease revealed Arthur had discussed the prospect of bringing players over, the Australian clarified that it was not simply a throwaway comment.
Referencing the uncertainty of whether he will be at the club beyond 2024 Arthur explained that players have in fact reached out about a possible move to join the club.
Speaking to the media, he said: “Already I’ve had some players reach out to me (about and, like I said, whether I’m here or not next year, which I’m not leaning one way or the other with that at the moment. I’m just taking it a week at a time and I’m just trying to enjoy my job and coach the best I can and improve the players and improve the team.
“I will want to help and make sure that the club has as good a roster as they can within the limits of the salary cap and quota spots, which I’m still getting my head around as it’s different rules to Australia.
“But there is definitely a lot of interest from players to want to come and play for Leeds. It’s a great city, I’ve only been here half a week, but it’s a great city and the club has got everything going for it.”
That admission from the Australian will spark questions from Leeds Rhinos fans of which players Brad Arthur could possibly draw over. Just recently a handful of players at his former club Parramatta Eels were named as being on the chopping block in the Australian press.
Furthermore, there are also Super League recruits that could now be tempted to make a switch given his huge NRL pedigree and we’ve already seen one permanent transfer this week with Luke Yates moving to Warrington Wolves early. Could Leeds Rhinos be next to do business?
