Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur remains interested in coaching England at this year’s World Cup, but says he is in the dark about what’s happening with the role.
The Australian put his name forward earlier this year when Shaun Wane stepped down following England’s 3-0 whitewash by the Kangaroos in the 2025 Ashes Test series.
Warrington Wolves’ Sam Burgess has also been linked with the job, but one of the favourites – Hull KR’s Willie Peters – withdrew after being confirmed as coach of the new PNG Chiefs side which will enter the NRL in 2028.
Asked at his weekly press conference today (Wednesday) about the England situation, Arthur said: “I know as much as you, probably less than you, about it, to tell the truth.
“I’m interested in having a conversation, when and if they want to have a conversation, but I have got no idea what’s happening.”
The tournament begins in six months’ time and Arthur admitted time is running out. He added: “I wouldn’t be leaving it too much longer.
“Whoever the coach is that comes in wants to have a fair opportunity of trying to get it right, so I think it probably needs to happen sooner rather than later.”
Leeds Rhinos boss makes Harry Newman selection call
Arthur also revealed recent signing Jack Bird will keep his place at centre for Rhinos’ derby at Bradford Bulls on Friday, which means England man Harry Newman is set to miss out for a second successive match.
Bird scored a crucial try during his first start for Leeds when they beat Warrington Wolves 26-22 at Headingley three days ago.
“Harry has got a couple of niggles he is getting on top of now,” Arthur said. “He will train today and he has just got to wait now until an opportunity comes – make sure he has got a good attitude.
“It is a tough position for him that he probably hasn’t been in before. That’s unfortunate, no one’s happy about it, it is just the way it is.
“He will do the right thing and will work hard to get himself in the team.”
Of Bird, Arthur enthused: “He knows his way around the field and what’s needed and when it’s needed.
“He hasn’t played a full 80 minutes for six or seven months, that’s why we were taking it a bit slow for him to earn his way into the team.
“I feel like he is only going to get better and better. Once he has full knowledge of our systems and combinations I think his game will grow for us.”
