Leeds Rhinos will interview former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur today (Friday) on taking over as their new head coach.
According to News Corp. reports from Australia, Arthur will reportedly hold a virtual meeting with CEO Gary Hetherington and sporting director Ian Blease of the Rhinos in order to gain insight into what the team is seeking in terms of a replacement for Rohan Smith at AMT Headingley.
With his recent departure from the Eels earlier in the season, Arthur is widely considered as the best person to assume the helm at the Rhinos.
He has a strong background and reputation from his success with Parramatta, and his signing would be a major coup for Leeds and the Super League. Chris Orr, his agent, attested to Arthur’s interest in Leeds as a team.
“Brad is weighing all of his options, and he is definitely interested in Super League, especially in a prestigious league like the Leeds Rhinos,” Orr stated.
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“No one will ever work harder than Brad Arthur; players love playing for him, and his experience is incredibly valuable.”
Leeds is interested in more candidates than only Arthur; Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley is also near the top of their list. They haven’t yet approached Salford about hiring Rowley, though.
“The board has a long-term strategy for where we want the club to be in the future, which started with the appointment of Ian Blease as our first sporting director,” Leeds CEO Hetherington stated on Thursday.
“Now, before he presents his recommendations to the board, Ian is carefully weighing our options going forward.”
