Leeds Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease has revealed the chances that Brad Arthur will be at Leeds Rhinos beyond 2024.
The club confirmed the appointment of the former Parramatta Eels head coach yesterday with immediate effect.
He signs just until the end of the season, and will aim to achieve a playoff place for the side.
The Rhinos have won their last two games, although a golden point extra-time victory over London Broncos was incredibly unconvincing.
They’re just two points behind Catalans Dragons in the final playoff spot – and just four behind four teams – St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils.
It looks like a good short-term appointment, but with the club yet to secure a name beyond the end of of the current season, questions have been asked of the club.
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Ian Blease reveals long-term chances of Brad Arthur being at Leeds Rhinos
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In a press conference yesterday, Ian Blease was asked about the long-term approach for the club, and he responded: “The long-term objective of securing the head coach is still ongoing. So I’m still working on that.
“Brad has put his hand up to say I can come for a short interim period, but also available for long period if necessary, which is a good arrangement for us as a club, and for me to just take a bit more time and do a bit more work behind the scenes on a long-term vision.”
Asked whether there was potential for Arthur to remain at the club beyond the end of the season, Blease responded: “Yeah, we’re still talking about that.
“Obviously there’s rumours about him and he’s admitted to me, you know, he rates himself as an NRL coach and that’s good for him. And there’ll be options for him as well I guess in the future.
“So all options are still open at this moment.”
However he was keen to say that there are a number of other options available: “We’re still having conversations with other coaches.
“I’ve said previously there a number of hoops to jump through and processes to go through, so I’m well on the track of doing that – but things will stay within the club at the moment for that.”
Chev Walker, the club’s interim coach, will remain in charge of the side for tonight’s fixture against Warrington Wolves, but Arthur is expected to be in attendance ahead of taking the side from next week.
