New Leeds Rhinos assistant coach Jamie Langley has discussed his excitement at returning to rugby league after three years with union side Sale Sharks.
As a player, Langley made over 250 appearances for Bradford Bulls as a forward, being a Super League and Challenge Cup winner.
He also played for both England and Great Britain.
Becoming a coach at London Broncos in 2016, he then spent three seasons with Sale Sharks in the Premiership before now returning to Super League, with the club his father played for in the 1960s and 70s.
Speaking to club media, he said: “Really looking forward to it, obviously first day, things have come around pretty quickly. I had a good conversation with Ian and Brad last week and felt like it would be the right fit.
“Unbelievable club obviously, Leeds, with the history and the squad they’ve put together this year, a really talented outfit so I’m really excited and really looking forward to it.”
On his return to the sport, he added: “I had a great time over in the rugby union obviously, switched code three years ago. It’s been a great experience, got to work with some world class players and world class coaches as well and Sale are a fantastic club.
“Just the right time now to come back over to League and as I say what an unbelievable opportunity it is to join a club like Leeds.
“The position they’re in now as a club, obviously bringing the personnel on board that they brought on and I’m just really grateful to be a part of that journey.
The pull factor of Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Brad Arthur, despite originally only being contracted until the end of the 2024 season, has committed to the club for the 2025 season after a decade as head coach of Parramatta Eels.
On whether Arthur was a big part of Langley’s decision to join the Leeds Rhinos coaching staff, he said: “Yeah, massive. Obviously Brad is a world class operator.
“He’s been an NRL coach now for over a decade, so he knows what he wants. He’s got very clear ideas on how he likes to operate and he’s very clear and holds people accountable to that as well.
“So I’ll be looking forward to that and working with Brad and learning from him. And also Chev (Walker) and (Scott) Grixie as well. I’ve known them from the past and worked with Chev before.
“And a really talented playing group. Some good young players, some experience. So it should all come together well.”
