Brad Arthur leaves door open on Leeds Rhinos future with decision imminent

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has revealed that a decision on his future at the club could be made in the near future with the Australian accepting that it’s likely “sooner rather than later”.

So far under Arthur, Leeds Rhinos have won one and lost two with the defeat to Salford Red Devils at the weekend being a brutal two points to miss out on. A win would have seen Leeds move just two points shy of both Salford and Catalans and within striking distance of the playoffs.

They’ll now face Wigan Warriors but will be without suspended captain Cameron Smith whilst senior players Mikolaj Oledzki and Ash Handley are also missing through injury.

Ahead of the game, Arthur spoke with the media and once again fielded questions on his future where he argued that if he stays then he could certainly improve the team.

“I feel like if I was to stick around, that I could actually contribute and make a bit of a difference because the buy-in is good and the players actually want to get better. As a club, everyone’s on the track in the same way and wants to get better”, the Australian revealed.

Pushed on when a decision will be made, he added: “I don’t think it would be too far away as a club. A club has got to do what’s best for the club and I want the club to be left in a better place than when I came.

“I would say it (a decision) would have to be sooner than later because they need to know what they’re doing moving forward.

“We’re just going through it. Both parties have been honest and upfront and that’s how it needs to be. I’m sure the decision one way or the other won’t be too far away.”

Leeds Rhinos boss concedes NRL aspirations

Arthur was sacked as Parramatta Eels head coach earlier in the year after spending a decade at the club, however, the 50-year-old has argued that he has “unfinished business” down under before revealing future Super League ambitions.

“Like I said I’ve got unfinished business in the NRL and I still want to coach in the NRL but in ten years time, I’d love to be able to come back and coach in the Super League and this is the club so I want to make sure I do the right thing by the club so that they want me to come back.

“Look, we need a few things to work out. As I said, I want to coach in the NRL but it’s highly unlikely next year that there will be an NRL position available, maybe the year after there might be.”

He insisted his focus was on Leeds Rhinos though, adding: “At the moment, I’ve got a job to do here and I want to make sure I’m committed to that and the boys know I’m committed to that. I feel a big part of it will be if the players continue to buy in and play, train and work hard and play like they want me to be here because that’s the other thing.

“I only want to stay if I feel like I can make a difference and that’s going to be determined on the playing group as well, isn’t it?

Arthur certainly seems to be leaving the door open for a Leeds Rhinos extension whilst making himself available for any possible NRL roles which is clearly where he intends to be long-term.