Former Super League referee names three managers Leeds Rhinos should consider to replace Rohan Smith

VaselineJune 19, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Former Super League referee names three managers Leeds Rhinos should consider to replace Rohan Smith

Leeds Rhinos have had a shaky start to the Super League season, however, until last weekend’s game against Hull FC, they remained in contention for the top six in Super League. Their 18-10 defeat at the MKM Stadium marked the definitive slump for the West Yorkshire club.

Head coach Rohan Smith faced some questions about his future ahead of the game. But the result, and just as importantly, the performance in the defeat against Hull significantly increased the pressure on the under-fire Rhinos boss. The club confirmed that Smith had left his role as head coach at Leeds earlier today.

Rhinos face a crucial clash with Leigh Leopards on Friday night in an occasion that will be used to mark the memory of Rob Burrow and is the first time Leeds have played at Headingley since his passing.

Victory for the Leopards would bring them within a point of the Rhinos after a significant surge in form saw them close the gap in the play-offs. Now, in the build-up to the game, a former Super League referee has given his opinion on who the Rhinos should consider now that they have moved on for Rohan Smith.

Former Super League referee names three candidates for Leeds Rhinos job

Credit: Imago Images

New Leeds sporting director Ian Blease officially began work in his new role on Monday and has moved quickly to resolve Smith’s future as the club look to re-establish themselves as a force in Super League.

Speaking before the news of Smith’s departure was announced, Silverwood named his three candidates to replace Smith at Leeds. He believes Paul Rowley, Justin Holbrook and Brad Arthur should all be in the running for the job now that Smith has left his role at the club. Silverwood stated:

“Crikey, what did (sp) Barratt, Ryles or Demetriou do to run a great club like Leeds? He wouldn’t be better than the current coach. It has to be Rowley, Holbrook or Arthur for me. I can’t see Leeds changing until the end of the season.”

Crikey, what did Barratt, Ryles or Demetriou do to manage a great club like Leeds? He wouldn’t be better than the current coach. It has to be Rowley, Holbrook or Arthur for me. I don’t see Leeds changing until the end of the season.

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) June 17, 2024

Paul Rowley, currently Salford’s head coach, has been linked with Leeds recently – mainly due to Ian Blease’s move to the club and their previous work together.

Justin Holbrook, meanwhile, is an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters and hasn’t held a head coaching role at a club since midway through the 2023 season, when he was suddenly sacked by the Gold Coast Titans.

He was close to joining Warrington before Sam Burgess took over, so he appears open to a return to Super League after a successful spell with St Helens.

Meanwhile, Brad Arthur is out of a job after leaving the Parramatta Eels last month after more than a decade at the club. He joined when the club were at the bottom of the table for most seasons and eventually took them to the semi-final stage or beyond in five of six seasons between 2017 and 2022.

VaselineJune 19, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Former Super League referee names three candidates for Leeds Rhinos job

Vaseline

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