Leeds Rhinos star would ‘love’ Brad Arthur to stay and reveals when decision will be made

Leeds Rhinos captain Cam Smith has weighed in on the hot topic in Super League right now, whether Brad Arthur will stay at Headingley for 2025 or go back down under.

Just yesterday, Arthur appeared to concede that an NRL opening for 2025 was not on the table, telling The Yorkshire Post that he is a “realist” and doesn’t foresee an NRL role next year.

Earlier that day reports down under had emerged where he was named as “available” and the “favourite” for the head coach role at Perth Bears, who it’s believed will enter the NRL in 2027.

Given the immense squad-building element of undertaking a role to help found a club, that would suggest Arthur needs to be down under for 2026, suggesting that any Leeds Rhinos deal would just be for 2025.

The Australian has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his future but admitted to The Yorkshire Post yesterday that talks remain ongoing and now club captain Cameron Smith has made a plea for the 50-year-old to stay on.

“I’d love to see him stick around and I’ve told him that,” Smith told BBC West Yorkshire Sport, before then revealing a possible timeline for when a decision will be made.

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When will Leeds Rhinos appoint Brad Arthur?

Smith was speaking at a launch event for Magic Weekend with the fixture set to take place in Leeds at Elland Road. The Rhinos play on Saturday evening against Warrington Wolves and a win there would go a long way to convincing Arthur to stay, but it’s not the deciding factor.

Club captain Smith explained: “I think the boys are looking for him to stay but obviously his wife comes over in two weeks and I don’t think he’ll be saying much until the wife gets here. But yeah, I’d love him to stay.

“He’s had an awesome impact on the group in such a short space of time and I’m really excited to keep playing under him.”

Arthur had confirmed that his wife would arrive on Saturday, perhaps for a summit and discussion over whether Arthur would commit his future to the Headingley club. Smith certainly seems keen for him to do as he noted the changes that he’d seen during the Australian’s short time in charge.

“He’s changed things in terms of the level of accountability and responsibility you have as a player to do your job. He’s been putting the onus on wanting people to perform every week and do their job.

“If we get 17 blokes that do their job to a significant standard, then we’ll come out on the right side of the fixture, or put ourselves in a good chance of winning the game.

“He already knows that we’ve got an exceptional team so it’s just about building on the little fundamental things that will give our X-Factor players a chance to flourish and put points on the board.”