Brad Arthur’s Leeds Rhinos recruitment verdict ahead of trial game warning

Praise and a warning has been issued by coach Brad Arthur ahead of Leeds Rhinos’ opening trial game next week.

Arthur is pleased with how the initial weeks of pre-season have gone, but says the only thing that really matters is what happens when the Rhinos step on to the field against outside opposition.

“All the signs are positive and we are doing all the right things,” Arthur – whose men face Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day – said.

“Attitude is good, but we haven’t been put under any pressure yet and we haven’t played a game. Once we are under a bit of pressure, we’ll know a bit more about how we are travelling.”

The boss, who took charge last July, stressed: “I have seen all the right things at training, but I have reminded them it doesn’t matter what you do on the training field – they are only going to get judged on what they do when they play.

“We can have some really good weeks and play poorly. Sometimes you can have a bad week at training, but if you can get the job done on the field that’s all that really matters.”

Five new signings will be on show in the Christmas fixture, while 10 members of last year’s squad have left Leeds Rhinos.

Arthur admitted “a couple of extra numbers would be nice”, but insisted he is happy with the squad put together by sporting director Ian Blease.

“Bleasey has done a really good job with our squad, the changes we have been able to make,” he stated.

“We probably had a targeted approach about bringing in quality rather than just trying to bring in too many.

“They make our squad stronger. It’s good for the young guys, because when you’re putting them out there now, hopefully you are putting them out around some quality. It is easier for them to learn in the systems if they are playing with a good level of quality.”