Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos are celebrating a huge boost after coach Brad Arthur ended speculation about his future at the club.
The Australian’s current contract was due to expire this autumn, but he has now put pen to paper on a new deal keeping him at Rhinos until the end of 2028.
Arthur had pledged to make a decision about his future at the end of June, but in a shock announcement this afternoon Rhinos revealed he has committed his future to them for two more seasons.
The length of the deal is a major plus after the former Parramatta Eels boss – who has been continually linked with vacancies in the NRL – had been on a rolling one-year contract.
The longer arrangement gives Rhinos some stability and will allow them to press ahead with recruitment plans for 2027 and beyond.
Rhinos have been transformed on the field since Arthur took over as coach, initially for 10 games, in July, 2024.
They finished eighth in his debut campaign, but were fourth last season – their best position since 2017 – and are now top of Betfred Super League with 13 of the 27 rounds played.
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Brad Arthur commits to Leeds Rhinos for two more years
Announcing his decision, Arthur said: “I am really pleased to extend my time with Leeds Rhinos.
“From the moment I arrived I felt the passion that exists throughout this club, from the players and staff to our supporters. We have put a process in place to bring through the best young talent and I am looking forward to seeing that flourish in the years ahead.
“We have a fantastic coaching, conditioning and medical staff who are all committed to the club for the future. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being part of Leeds Rhinos and I am excited by what we can achieve together over the coming years. We are building something that can make our supporters proud and I am looking forward to continuing that journey.”
Delighted sporting director described today’s news as “hugely important for Leeds Rhinos”. He enthused: “Brad has brought outstanding leadership, professionalism and clarity to our rugby programme since joining the club. He has earned the respect of everyone across the organisation through his work ethic, standards and commitment to improving the team every day.
“We have been extremely impressed with the progress made under Brad’s leadership and, just as importantly, the culture he has helped create throughout the club. There is a shared belief about where we are heading and securing Brad’s future enables us to keep building a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
“Brad is one of the most respected coaches in the game and we are delighted he has committed his future to Leeds Rhinos through to the end of the 2028 season.”
