Leeds Rhinos signing gives Brad Arthur verdict and outlines Headingley ambition

New Leeds Rhinos recruit Cooper Jenkins has given his thoughts on head coach Brad Arthur after arriving in the country for pre-season.

A Queensland Cup winner last year, Jenkins is one of a few prop signings with Leeds Rhinos clearly trying to make up for the losses of forwards such as Rhyse Martin, James Donaldson , Justin Sangare and Mickael Goudemand.

He scored seven tries in 2024, playing for Norths Devils – but has arrived in the UK after signing a two-year deal with the Rhinos.

He may end up playing in the pack with fellow overseas signing Keenan Palasia, who alongside Maika Sivo, arrived in Leeds this week.

Leeds Rhinos overseas recruit outlines ambitions, thoughts on Brad Arthur

Now, speaking to BBC Sport West Yorkshire, Jenkins has spoken about the prospect of playing under his new head coach: “That was another big reason why I came over here, being under Brad Arthur. He was such a great NRL coach and has been in the game for a long time.

“He’s different, he’s pretty full on. He reminds me a bit of my old man, actually, just the way he speaks and that, as well as the way he coaches and that, he gets through to me.

“He doesn’t beat around the bush, he just tells you how it is. When you’re trying to work on your game, you just want it straightforward. It might not be the best to hear, but that’s just how you’ve got to hear it, and I feel like that works great for me.

“He’s been good, and obviously I haven’t known him too much, but yeah, it will be good to work with him over the next year or two.”

He also outlined his vision for his time at the club, saying: “My ambition, I want to come over and cement a starting spot or a spot in the 17 every week.

“Play consistent footy, and develop myself as being a first-grade player over here and learn off the older boys. That’s just my goal.

“I just want to keep fit and be playing as much as I can.”