Leeds Rhinos ‘make offer’ for Steve McNamara as Catalans’ delay explained

Recently departed Catalans Dragons head coach Steve McNamara has been made an offer to coach Leeds Rhinos from 2026, according to reports in France.

That’s despite no official confirmation from Catalans Dragons that they have axed McNamara, though star player Sam Tomkins has confirmed it on Sky Sports News.

Tomkins explained the ins and outs of Tuesday morning and how the players were informed with the former England head coach relieved of his duties in Perpignan after almost eight years in charge.

Reports of McNamara’s axing emerged on Tuesday but the club still haven’t confirmed it but French publication L’Independant have revealed why.

With McNamara contracted until the end of the 2026 season, a settlement is required to officially confirm his exit and according to L’Independant, both parties are being cautious “to avoid a legal battle between lawyers”.

As it stands, assistant coach Joel Tomkins is set to lead the team on Saturday against Wigan Warriors.

Offer made by Leeds Rhinos for Steve McNamara

On top of revealing why there has been no official notice of McNamara’s exit, L’Independant also added fuel to the fire regarding rumours that Leeds Rhinos are lining up Steve McNamara for the 2026 season.

Current head coach Brad Arthur is out of contract at the end of the year and it’s widely expected that he will return to the NRL, despite the fact he is no longer the front-runner for the Perth Bears job.

With the Australian’s future uncertain, Leeds have moved to enquire about McNamara with L’Independant reporting that the Rhinos have “made him an offer to replace Brad Arthur”.

It would be a very strong appointment with McNamara among the most experienced coaches in Super League and a man who has tasted success as well, guiding Catalans to Challenge Cup victory in 2018.

Leeds Rhinos have become a team that are hard to beat under Brad Arthur and whilst the past 18 months haven’t necessarily reflected that, being hard to beat was the identity of Steve McNamara’s Catalans during the period they made it to two Grand Finals in three years.

Star man Sam Tomkins confirmed on Sky Sports News that he had heard the rumours but knew nothing, however, he went out to bat for his former coach as he argued the 53-year-old would be in “high demand”.

“I think Steve’s CV talks for itself,” Tomkins argued, adding: “He’s been an international coach, an assistant in the NRL at two different clubs and let’s not judge Steve on the last ten games of Super League.”