Leeds Rhinos to interview ‘front-runner’ for vacant head coaching role

VaselineJune 21, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Leeds Rhinos to interview ‘front-runner’ for vacant head coaching role

It’s just two days since Leeds Rhinos parted ways with former head coach Rohan Smith. However, it looks like they are wasting no time in making a move to find their successor. Rhinos take on Leigh Leopards in Super League tonight in an emotional occasion that will celebrate the life of Rob Burrow.

The Rhinos are currently struggling in seventh place in the Super League. A run of poor form, culminating in defeat at Hull FC, led to Smith’s departure. A number of high-profile names have been linked to the Rhino vacancy since Smith’s exit, and it looks like the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Yesterday, new sporting director Ian Blease said the club was willing to consider domestic and international candidates in its search for Smith’s replacement.

Now, according to reports in Australia, a former NRL head coach has emerged as the frontrunner for the role.

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

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Leeds Rhinos to interview ‘front-runner’ for head coach role

Credit: Imago Images

Australia’s Courier Mail has revealed that Brad Arthur is the current ‘front-runner’ for the Leeds Rhinos job and will be interviewed for the role on Friday evening (Australian time). Arthur’s agent Chris Orr spoke to the publication and revealed that Arthur is considering opening in Leeds.

“Brad is considering all his options and Super League is certainly of interest to him, especially for a quality organization like Leeds Rhinos,” Orr said.

“Brad is a career coach and after 11 years with the Parramatta Eels he has a lot to offer any organization he joins.

“His experience is extremely valuable, the players love playing for him and no one will ever work harder than Brad Arthur.”

The Courier Mail go on to state that while Arthur is open to considering the offer from Leeds, it is by no means a foregone conclusion. Arthur’s preference would be to stay in Australia. However, he is open to a conversation with the Rhinos to understand the nature of the project at the club.

Rowley is not committed to Leeds

Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley talks to Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos player Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Credit: Imago Images

News of Arthur’s interview comes after Paul Rowley, another name closely linked with the Leeds post, appeared as part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the Castleford v Hull KR game. Rowley was name-checked by Blease in his previous press conference and has a long-standing relationship with Blease from his time at Salford Red Devils.

Rowley was asked if he had been approached by Leeds but was adamant that no approach had been made. He refused to be drawn into speculation linking him to the role, saying that, having no approach, he was not willing to discuss a hypothetical situation.

However, he did not completely rule himself out of this role, stating:

“Like anyone in life, as I said before, and in employment and work, then you have a discussion and it’s certainly a privilege if you have a discussion with a club like, well, previously in Hull and certainly Leeds. Rhinos had to pick up the phone then absolutely.”

Salford host St Helens in a crucial game in their hunt for the play-offs on Sunday. All eyes will be on Leeds, following the news of Arthur’s interview, to see if Rowley is in the running for the job or if they will retain their highly-rated manager.

VaselineJune 21, 2024

0 2 minutes read

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

1.

Leeds Rhinos to interview ‘front-runner’ for head coach role

Rowley is not committed to Leeds

Vaseline

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