Coach Brad Arthur has revealed the dilemma he faces as he considers whether to stay on at Leeds Rhinos next year.
Arthur joined Leeds Rhinos on an initial 10-week deal last July. That was quickly extended until the end of 2025, but his future beyond that is undecided.
Leeds have made no secret of their desire to retain the former Parramatta Eels team boss, but Arthur is torn between enjoying his role in England and missing his sons, who play in the southern hemisphere NRL.
Speaking at his weekly preview press conference ahead of tomorrow’s (Thursday) game at Salford Red Devils, the Australian confirmed he hasn’t yet made a decision about next season.
“Of course I’d love to get an opportunity to coach in the NRL, but the situation hasn’t changed for me,” he said.
“I have got two boys I’ve been away from for nine months and it is tough for me, it is hard. I don’t know how I am going to feel about being away from them in the next two months, let alone another seven.”
Brad Arthur gives honest verdict on Leeds Rhinos future with ‘dad duties’ considered
Speaking further on the family ties that are making his decision to commit to Leeds Rhinos so tough, Arthur explained: “I am a dad and my youngest boy [Matt Arthur] makes his debut for Newcastle this weekend and I am not there.
“I feel like I am not fulfilling my dad duties and that is the hardest bit for me. It is purely family, because in terms of job satisfaction, I love it here – I really do.”
On his time at Headingley and what he forecasts is required to get Leeds Rhinos into the sort of team that he wants, Arthur explained: “I love my job, the people are great and I like working with this team. I feel like we are getting better and are still going to get better.
“I also believe I probably need another full pre-season and the finished product is a 12- or 18-month job with these guys.”
Arthur, who spent 10 years in charge of Parramatta, reckons Rhinos are heading in the right direction and can thrive, with or without him at the helm.
“The club is building strong,” he added. “Bleasy [sporting director Ian Blease] is putting together a good list and [chairman] Paul Caddick’s committed to putting together a good team and having good staff, which we’ve got.
“There’s no pressure from the club. We sat down last week – me, Paul and Bleasy – and discussed it. Until they need a dead-set cut off date and an answer…they are comfortable at the minute just letting it flow.
“They understand it is just a family situation, it’s as simple as that. I have been honest and consistent all the way through – job satisfaction is great, I just miss my boys and being a dad and being around my family, which I hope everyone understands.”
When will Brad Arthur make a decision on his future?
Leeds haven’t made Arthur a formal offer, or given him a deadline. “There hasn’t been a formal offer, there doesn’t need to be, because we have got that relationship and trust,” he added.
“If I say to Ian and Paul ‘I want to stay’, we’ll work the rest of it out from there. It’s not about money or length of the term, it’s purely whether I can be away from my two boys for much longer. That’s the hardest bit for me.
“At some stage I get that the club needs to make their decision and they are going to have to put a line in the sand and say ‘we need to know what you’re doing’. What I do know is I am committed to helping the club now and next week and in five months’ time and setting the club up for long-term.
“I feel like the playing group and where the staff are at at the moment, they know exactly what’s required around expectations and standards and what’s needed to be successful and they can be driving it themselves. I feel like whether I am here next year or not, the club’s in good hands.”
SQUAD NEWS | Brad Arthur has named his 21-man squad to face @SalfordDevils on Thursday 👇 pic.twitter.com/ShQvDNnS1h
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 8, 2025
