Leeds Rhinos are on track for their best season since 2017, and currently sit third in the league having just beaten the league leaders and Challenge Cup holders Hull KR.
After Rohan Smith took over in 2022, fans thought he was the perfect appointment, guiding them to a Grand Final in just over half a season in charge.
However, poor performances and seemingly a lack of ideas made things take a rough and nasty turn but that allowed Leeds to bring in an esteemed coach with over a decade of experience in the NRL.
Arthur has not only transformed the way Leeds play, but off the field the culture at the club is back, and the vibe around AMT Headingley is one that the fans haven’t properly felt for a long time.
There are many things that factor in when you talk about the differences between Leeds under Smith, Agar, Furner etc. compared to Arthur, but here are three things we think have helped transform this current Rhinos team the most.
How Brad Arthur has transformed Leeds Rhinos
Defence
‘Defence wins matches’ – it’s a cliché but it’s true. Getting on that front foot and trying to control the tempo of the game is what any team needs to do to be successful.
Rohan Smith’s passive defending was perhaps the most bizarre tactic possible, as Leeds just allowed teams to get a full run up as they sat back and allowed the attack to come to them.
Now under Arthur, that mentality has been thrown off a cliff and a more aggressive and dominant Rhinos have emerged. Line speed has improved, which allows for less metres and field position to be given away.
Leeds have also been more clinical in defence, which has been a huge boost for them this season. In 2024, they finished with a tackle efficiency of 91.5%. So far this season, that stat is up to 93.3%, which shows how Arthur has changed this side into a more dominant, and well organised outfit.
Discipline
Leeds may be more aggressive in defence now, but they have combined that with the discipline needed to know where to draw the line.
The Rhinos currently rank bottom for penalties given away, tied with Warrington on 67. That equates to 3.9 per match. Compare that to last year, where they gave away 160 and an average of 5.9 per match.
It is not just penalties that Leeds have worked on. The cards have decreased too, with less players been sent to the sin bin or off the field.
Leeds have had just one red card under Arthur, when Ash Handley was sent off against Hull KR earlier this season. Under Smith, Leeds had four players sent off. Arthur has only seen 11 sin bins too, with Smith seeing double that, at 22.
Man Management:
This is perhaps the biggest reason for Leeds’ progression back to the top this season. Players believe in the Arthur manifesto and his mentality. When Smith ‘lost the dressing room’ as they say, you could see the players didn’t want to turn up for him, as his tactics just weren’t working and he refused to change them.
Another underrated change has been Handley’s move to centre. It was questioned by many at the start of the year, especially after finishing the season as Leeds’ top try-scorer.
However, the switch has allowed for Ryan Hall to come back into the side in his natural position, and to allow youngsters Riley Lumb and Alfie Edgell to showcase their talents when called upon.
Sam Lisone is another example of a player that is been used in a position that is best suited for him. He comes off the bench and does 10 minutes either side of half-time, providing a boost to the team with his sheer strength, power and physicality. He works best against tired defenders and has performed his role exceptionally well over the last month or so.
Leeds still have some way to go if they are to win the Grand Final this year, and Arthur’s reluctance to say whether he is staying or going at the end of the season is perhaps the only cloud on what has been a brilliant season so far.
