Leeds Rhinos given huge coaching blow as ‘decided against’ report emerges

Leeds Rhinos appear to have been dealt a major blow with it being reported that heavily-linked coach Paul Rowley will reject them to remain at Salford Red Devils.

That’s per John Davidson for rugbyleaguehub.com where it’s reported that Rowley has “decided against” a move to Headingley and instead will remain with the Red Devils.

Leeds Rhinos currently have Brad Arthur as their head coach on a deal until the end of the season but there is nothing confirmed for 2025 with the Australian admitting that he’s ‘not in a rush’ to leave, but equally, he’s not contracted.

After the departure of Rohan Smith from Headingley just over a month ago the first name to be linked with Leeds Rhinos was Paul Rowley following Leeds’ acquisition of former Salford Sporting Director Ian Blease.

Former Rhino Blake Austin insinuated that a move would be confirmed for Rowley very quickly as he took to social media to claim that the ‘Salford Rhinos’ were coming together.

On multiple occasions since then, Rowley has knocked back those suggestions and these latest reports from rugbyleaguehub.com seem to suggest that too.

Leeds Rhinos miss out as Salford sign coach up

Rowley remains contracted until the end of the 2025 season and per rugbyleaguehub.com’s reports, the 49-year-old outright rejected Leeds Rhinos with the Red Devils having allowed him to speak to the club.

It’s a huge boost for Salford who are actually in direct competition with Leeds Rhinos for a playoff spot this year with the two sides just two points apart prior to the Red Devils’ home game against Castleford.

A further boost for Salford is that of Krisnan Inu extending his contract with the coach penning a new five-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2029 season.

Inu has been a vital cog in the coaching trio comprised of himself, Rowley and Kurt Haggerty and securing Inu long-term could indicate that Rowley is set to sign a new deal as well.

Signing his deal, Inu said: “Happy to have inked a deal to stay.

“Linking up with Paul & Kurt played a key role in making my decision, and keeping this coaching team together was an easy yes.”

Salford play Castleford Tigers at 3 pm this afternoon live on Sky Sports.