Leeds Rhinos have endured a seesaw campaign in part thanks to a lack of leadership in the key positions. Coach Brad Arthur is asking for more from his side in that department ahead of facing Warrington Wolves at Magic Weekend this Saturday.
Scrum-half Matt Frawley skippered the side against Wigan, but Cameron Smith will take the duty this weekend and Arthur revealed. “I am working with Cam on his leadership style and how we can get better at it,” he stated.
“He is really keen and eager to be a leader and be better at it. He is just finding what works for him and how he can influence the boys.”
Arthur admitted he is keen to see Frawley and other senior players take more ownership of the side, stressing: “We probably need more leadership in the team. That’s what we are trying to do, encourage them to own the team and lead more, like them taking more of the final training session and in our review I need them to talk more and own it and hold each other accountable.
“The more we can do that, when we are under pressure on the field they will have that relationship and that comfort to be able to challenge each other and if someone’s not quite toeing the line, get him back in line.”
Arthur will name an initial 21-man squad on Thursday. Winger Ash Handley (wrist) and forward James Donaldson (knee/ankle) could also be back in contention and the coach stressed he is prepared to change a winning team.
“Each week, once they tell me who’s available, I pick the best 17 I think can do the job that week and win,” he said. “That’s what it’ll be again this week.
“When other guys get their opportunity to come in, they have got to do their job. I am sure they know their place in the squad as well.”
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