Jon Wilkin claims Leeds Rhinos head coach appointment made in ‘desperation’

VaselineJuly 10, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Jon Wilkin claims Leeds Rhinos head coach appointment made in ‘desperation’

Following the appointment of Brad Arthur as Leeds Rhinos’ new head coach until the end of the season, Jon Wilkin has given his thoughts on the appointment.

His signing was announced today, until the end of the season after weeks of speculation, and will be aimed at securing a playoff spot for the team.

The Rhinos have won their last two games, although a golden extra-time win against the London Broncos was incredibly unconvincing.

They now sit just two points behind the playoff spots.

On Sky Sports’ The Verdict, Jon Wilkin, asked if it was a good meeting, said: “Yeah, I think so.

“I think it’s very interesting that he mentions the standards and the raising of standards that have been brought in because Leeds feel they need guidance and leadership towards the end of the year. It seems strange, doesn’t it, to only announce a coach until the end of this season and no further.

“But that maybe shows you where Leeds are at, that they are desperate to play in the play-offs and maybe Brad Arthur is the man to help that for the rest of 2024.”

His suggestion that it is desperation to appoint him is an interesting one, but their appointment marks a difference in approach to Hull FC, who appointed John Cartwright from 2025 and instead have an interim manager this year in Simon Grix.

They are definitely showing that they want to make the playoffs this year.

Leeds Rhinos Quiz: Can you name these former Super League players?

Jon Wilkin details Leeds Rhinos’ play-off hopes

Credit: Imago Images

Wilkin continued: “They have a massive game this week against Warrington Wolves and are just two points off the play-offs now.

“They really need to start getting those wins together because if the teams around them start going, Brad Arthur or not, it’s going to be difficult for Leeds.

“But I think in the short term, a good appointment. What is interesting is whether it will expand beyond that or not and we will wait and see.”

Yeah, you kind of nailed it there John, but to get somebody into the finals, you know nine ten games before the playoffs, I mean is that going to work?

I do not know. I worked under maybe six, seven, eight coaches. Maybe it takes six months for the penny to finally drop with the players.

“Sometimes with messages, ideally you have a full pre-season, right?

“I think the importance for Brad Arthur is to come up with a clear clarity and a succinct message that aligns all the bands at Leeds behind a simple concept.

“For example, defending as the game counts, not as defending is just your opportunity to wait until you get the ball and then attack. The best sports teams in the world take defense as seriously as they take offense.”

VaselineJuly 10, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Leeds Rhinos Quiz: Can you name these former Super League players?

Jon Wilkin details Leeds Rhinos’ play-off hopes

Vaseline

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