Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has admitted he is “confused” about his future.
Next Thursday will be a year since Arthur was appointed Rhinos boss, initially on a 10-game contract.
That was quickly extended to cover the whole of this year, but he has yet to commit to the club for 2026.
The 51-year-old former Parramatta Eels chief has made no secret of the fact he is keen to coach again in the southern hemisphere NRL and is finding it difficult being so far away from his sons, who play in that competition.
Leeds, though, are desperate to keep the Australian, who has steered them into third place on the Betfred Super League table ahead of Sunday’s round 17 game at leaders Hull KR.
Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Thursday), Arthur admitted he remains torn.
He stressed: “Nothing has changed. I am confused, I don’t know. I am really enjoying my job, I love it here, I love working with this group and the club, [but] I miss home and miss my two boys. It is a lifestyle thing, one day it is good, the next day I want to be around them.
“I know everyone wants answers, but I don’t have any to give, unfortunately. I am just enjoying every day I am here.
“My wife and daughter really enjoy it here, so if the players keep playing well, it certainly makes it harder to walk away, doesn’t it.”
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Meanwhile, Arthur confirmed second-rower James Bentley will come back into contention for Sunday’s game after being rested, because of illness, when Rhinos beat Leigh Leopards six days ago.
The coach is also keen to see how teenage hooker/full-back Joe Diskin handles the step up when he makes his debut on dual-registration for Championship side London Broncos against Halifax Panthers on Saturday.
Diskin is the son of Rhinos’ four-time Grand Final-winning hooker Matt Diskin and Arthur said: “It is a good opportunity to get some experience playing against men.
“He is probably going to get 40-60 minutes. With Andy Ackers back in reserve grade it limits Disko’s opportunity, so where we can, we will try to get him more footy.
“They are training well, a lot of these young guys, but the only way they gain experience or get any better is by giving them experience. They can’t do it at training, they have to do it on the field.”
