Leeds Rhinos’ appointment of Brad Arthur until the end of the season is one that former pundit Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson has called into question, suggesting it signifies “confusion or desperation” at Headingley.
After the exit of Rohan Smith, Leeds Rhinos played one game under assistant Chev Walker before announcing the appointment of former Parramatta Eels boss Arthur until the end of the season.
Arthur didn’t take charge of the game against Warrington Wolves but was alongside Walker in the coaching before officially starting in his role the day after, granting him ten games to turn Leeds Rhinos’ season around.
So far, he’s won one of two but other results have favoured him with the Rhinos just two points off the playoffs behind St Helens, however, the uncertainty surrounding 2025 has caused Stevo to question the appointment.
Speaking on The Eddie and Stevo Podcast, Stephenson was asked for his thoughts on the appointment and he had two words in mind.
“Confusion, I think is the word, or is it desperation? They’re the two words that spring to mind in regards to bringing a coach over from Australia.”
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Are Leeds Rhinos fans ‘confused’ over Arthur’s appointment?
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One of the main reasons behind Stephenson’s confusion was that Arthur hadn’t been pulling up trees during the 2024 season which ultimately led to his sacking with Parramatta near the foot of the table.
He explained: “The fact is that they’re bringing over a coach that was coaching the side that’s in the bottom two of the NRL. It isn’t as though you’re bringing over Wayne Bennett and I’m not having a shot at Leeds.
“Why couldn’t they have just stayed with the assistant coaches that they had before? Remember the Rob Burrow game and everyone lifted? I thought it would have been a good idea to say, ‘You brought us a victory that we always wanted, stay with it,’ rather than bring someone over for 14 weeks. It confused me.”
He also claimed that he wasn’t alone in that confusion, referring to worries and concerns from Leeds Rhinos fans about the appointment and the lack of clarity over the future.
“I know a lot of Leeds fans, they’re confused as well and asking how much would it have cost to bring him over, this, that and the other?
“It isn’t as though Leeds are world beaters and it isn’t as though we brought over a coach that’s a world beater.”
For now, Arthur appears to be popular with fans with his no-nonsense and simple approach based on effort and ‘earning the right to play’ has paid dividends.
Leeds Rhinos have a huge chance to take two points away from playoff side Salford this week with the game set to be pivotal in each side’s season.
