Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock gives honest verdict on Richard Agar and who he wants as the new head coach

With Richard Agar’s stepping down from the Leeds Rhinos job on Monday, there ended an era.

It was an era that lasted just over three years, but one which had incredible highs and shocking lows – from the euphoria of the Challenge Cup success in 2020 to the dismal five losses from six at the start of 2022.

However, for Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock, Agar has done a stellar job – and an honest one at that.

“As a club they are disappointed with the start of the season, and Richard is too, and I think it just shows the character of the man that he’s been very honest and said that he feels he’s taken that group as far as he possibly can,” Peacock told The Sportsman.

“I think in his time at the club he has been successful. Look where they were at when he took over, they’ve ended up with a Challenge Cup win and within 80 minutes of a Grand Final, but ultimately it’s about winning, and they have been able to do that at the start of 2022, so it’s time for someone else to take over.”

Peacock also called on the Leeds players to take some responsibility for the way in which Agar’s reign at the club ended.

“I think with the calibre of player they’ve got, they’ll be disappointed with the way in which they’ve lost some of the games this season, certainly in terms of character. Too many times at the start of the year, when it’s got really difficult, you have to ask who’s stood up and who’s been counted. There’s no talent required to do that.

“You make a decision whether to do that or not, and some of the players need to look long and hard at themselves, but I’m sure they are doing that, because they’ve always struck me as an honest group.”

All attention now goes on who the Rhinos will replace Agar with, but Peacock wants it to be a thorough process as possible.

“I think they have to go through the right process and get the right person, and if they feel that it’s a young unproven coach, then that should be it, if it’s someone from Australia that should be it, but they need to be thorough and make sure it’s someone who take them forward for the next two or three years.”