Leeds Rhinos’ new head coach Brad Arthur has explained his decision to join Leeds Rhinos and also offered some hope regarding the possibility of new signings before the August 2nd deadline.
That August 2nd deadline is looming now, giving clubs just a fortnight to make any more additions to their 2024 squad. As such, we’ve seen a flurry of signings this week with Jayden Nikorima to Salford being confirmed and rumours swirling regarding Lachlan Lam.
Leeds Rhinos could well find themselves in the mix too with new coach Arthur having previously revealed that there is “definitely interest” from players down under about a possible move. That talk has been furthered by the 50-year-old revealing that Simon Blease could be primed to pull the trigger.
Speaking to the media ahead earlier this week, he was asked if he’d had any “assurances or conversations” regarding the chance to recruit in the short-term. That prompted an honest response from the Australian.
He answered: “I’m still trying to get my head around but what I do know is that Ian’s got his finger on the pulse and he’s right across making sure that wherever we are right now, he wants to still give the squad the best opportunity and possibility of winning games of football.
“If that means there’s a possibility of bringing players in, he will look at that.”
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Why Leeds Rhinos? Arthur explains Super League move
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With those words still ringing and prompting hope that there could be additions to his squad at Headingley, Arthur spoke about why exactly Leeds Rhinos was the job he decided to take.
It’s been announced that currently, it is just a deal until the end of the season with the ex-Parramatta boss tasked with guiding the club back to the playoffs after missing out last year. Such a deal prompted questions but Arthur has answered them resoundingly.
“I really wanted the job,” the Australian stated.
“I wanted to coach, so that was a big factor straight away because I just packed up and left. It was all pretty sudden but that’s just the person I am, and I was really grateful to my family because they knew that I just wanted a coach and I was going crazy sitting at home doing nothing.”
Touching further on the process that saw him recruited by the Rhinos, Arthur explained: “The first conversation, and probably the only real conversation before a decision was made that I had with Ian, it was pretty easy to see that he was new to the role and the desire from the club and in particular Gary that they just want the club to try and be a powerhouse.
“When I talked to a few people in Australia about it. they gave their advice stating that ‘Leeds is one of the better clubs to go to’ and that I’d be well looked after and they want to do well, so that was a big bonus for us too.
He will coach his first game at Headingley tomorrow afternoon with the Rhinos welcoming high-flying Hull KR at 3 pm.
