The number seven was dropped for last week’s game against Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR and Arthur confirmed Jack Sinfield will continue as scrum-half when Rhinos face St Helens at Magic Weekend in Newcastle tomorrow.
Frawley is out of contract at the end of this year and Rhinos are understood to be willing to let him go earlier if he can secure a deal elsewhere.
Huddersfield Giants coach Luke Robinson this week confirmed Frawley was “an option” for them, though that appears to have come to nothing.
And asked about that at his weekly preview press conference today (Friday), Arthur said: “That’s up to him, but at the moment he is not being forced out of the door or anything like that.”
The coach insisted: “I have picked a team based on what I think was best and form. There’s nothing around that, if something comes up for Matt – a better option – that’s up to him, but there’s no talk of us trying to squeeze him out of the club.”
Arthur praised the way Frawley has reacted to losing his place. He said: “It’s tough for him, but he is professional and he’s a good person, which makes it easier.
“He is disappointed, but he understands and he’ll just go about his work and work hard and if he gets another opportunity he has got to make the most of it.”
Brad Arthur delivers Leeds Rhinos injury update
Arthur also revealed Leeds will be without veteran winger Ryan Hall at St James’ Park after he suffered a “really bad rolled ankle” against Hull KR.
The 37-year-old was named in Rhinos’ initial squad and Arthur insisted: “He has tried really hard and that’s a credit to him.
“I keep talking about how professional he is; he has done everything possible and worked around the clock to try and get on the field, but is probably just a couple of days short.
“After we get next week off, I think he will be right for the following game. He didn’t want to go out tomorrow and not be able to do his job to the best of his ability.”
With no game next weekend, Arthur also expects to have stand-off Brodie Croft and loose-forward Cameron Smith back for the home meeting with Hull FC on Friday, May 16.
He said: “Those guys were pushing to be right this week, but we decided to give it one extra game.
“We took the cautious approach with those guys. Cameron was really close, but they will be right for the next game.”
