The Wigan Warriors boss has spoken about the appointment of Ian Blease by Leeds Rhinos

Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski, the man behind much current success at the club, has reacted to Leeds Rhinos’ appointment of Ian Blease as sporting director.

Leeds Rhinos announced in May that they would be undergoing an off-field restructuring process that would see a sporting director appointed and it was confirmed this week that Ian Blease is the man for the job. The former Salford Red Devils man was announced at a press conference on Monday.

He will be tasked with overseeing rugby operations at Headingley, just as Kris Radlinski does at Wigan Warriors, and Radlinski has now had his say on the appointment as someone who has plenty of experience of what it takes to be successful in managing a Super League team. .

Radlinski, 48, was the club’s chief executive for nine years before taking over as CEO in January 2023, and since then Wigan Warriors have won every trophy on offer, while also doing some business smart ones like Tyler Dupree signings. , Luke Thompson, Kruise Leeming and Adam Keighran to name but a few.

Quiz: Can you name all these former Leeds Rhinos players?

Leeds Rhinos hit the ground running after the appointment of Ian Blease

Credit: Imago Images

Speaking on The Sportsman YouTube channel as part of the ‘Last Tackle’ show, Radlinski said: ‘I think Paul Rowley is capable enough to cope with this loss. I think it will boost the Leeds team because they have a new guy coming in and he is probably looking at things and will be in a review period for the first few weeks. So I expect them to start a little bit.”

He was flanked by Eddie Hemmings, who had plenty to say about the appointment, noting: “Ian Blease must have done something good at Salford because they got to a grand final and reached the Challenge Cup final. He made them a lot of money in the transfer market. So I think it’s a good meeting for the Rhinos.”

Hemmings continued, referencing Leeds Rhinos’ upcoming game against Hull FC, the first under Ian Blease’s tenure. Leeds travel to the MKM Stadium on Saturday in a game from which both teams are desperate for two points and Hemmings echoed Blease’s call.

He said: “I think Ian Blease has said, hasn’t he, he wants Leeds supporters to start getting behind the team again, starting with Hull this weekend. Hull were desperate weren’t they in 2024? Absolutely desperate.

“It’s a big game, I think, for both clubs. I think it’s a chance for Hull to make a statement that they’re not as bad as people think they are and it’s a chance for Leeds to say ‘Well, look, we’re going to be good’ and they’ll hope At least the top six finish. “

A loss to Leeds Rhinos could spell huge trouble for Rohan Smith, who has been under pressure of late and will now be under the watchful eye of newly appointed Ian Blease, while Hull FC are just desperate for a win to distance themselves from the down to Super. League.