'He's done a terrific job' - Leeds Rhinos chief praises coach after Challenge Cup final win

Agar replaced Dave Furner in May last year - when Rhinos were in danger of relegation from Betfred Super League - and the Wembley win over Salford Red Devils four days ago was his 33rd game in charge.

Leeds won eight of his 16 matches as coach last year - after losing their first two, including a Cup exit at Championship side Bradford Bulls - and their record so far in 2020 is 12 victories from 17 games.

Two of their defeats came when Agar fielded an inexperienced side against Catalans Dragons and Warrington Wolves in the week leading up to the Cup semi-final and final.

Rhinos, who visit league leaders St Helens on Friday, are fifth in Super League and in contention for a play-offs place and club chief executive Gary Hetherington said Agar deserves huge credit for the way he has turned things around.

“Richard has done a terrific job, he really has,” Hetherington said.

“He steadied the ship at a time of crisis.

“It was only 15 or so months ago when we were in a pretty poor place, in truth and Richard had an immediate effect.

“It may not have been evident in results, although they did improve, but he immediately tackled the issue very professionally and using all his experience and guile.”

Agar joined Rhinos ahead of last season as head of player development, following a spell working in Australia.

He stepped in to become assistant to Furner when James Lowes left and then found himself made interim head coach.

He agreed a rolling contract at the end of the campaign.

“Having already been at the club gave him a first-hand look at what the situation was,” Hetherington added.

“He could see where the challenges were and I think he tackled that extremely well; he gave the players some belief and confidence and results and performances improved.”

Agar and director of rugby Kevin Sinfield have overhauled Rhinos’ squad and backroom staff, with Jamie Jones-Buchanan and James Webster - who is also team boss at Featherstone Rovers - joining the coaching team.

Hetherington insisted he was confident Rhinos could do well this year, but admitted a trophy wasn’t on their agenda.

He said: “We started out the season thinking this could be a good one for us, while still recognising we have lost - over the last seven years - the core of the team that had been together for so long.

“It is possible to replace them by bringing in good quality players, but impossible to replace their longevity and experience at the club.

“It was very much a transitional period and still is and in many ways winning the Challenge Cup was beyond our best hopes at the start of the season.

“We thought we could be a top-four team and you always have a chance of winning a trophy, but to actually do it is testimony to how far the squad and team have come.

“We are still going through that transitional period in many respects, but I think the thing that’s really encouraging is the number and quality of young players in the squad.

“We have got a good blend because we have some outstanding experienced players who make an impact not only on the field, but off it as well - and Luke Gale has proved to be an inspired signing who has made a big impact on and off the field.”

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Laura Collins