Leeds Rhinos working on Brad Arthur deal: but nothing agreed yet in new coach hunt

According to Aussie media, the former Parramatta Eels boss will take up the role, but only until the end of this season. Leeds are talking to Arthur, but sporting director Ian Blease insists “nothing has been agreed” and discussions with candidates for the role are continuing.

Blease sat in on Rhinos’ press conference after the extra-time win against London Broncos on Saturday to “give a bit of clarity” on the coach hunt. He said: “Phase one was meeting and interviewing the candidates who had applied, which went pretty well.“Stage two is now firming up some options we can look at. Nothing has officially been done yet so that will carry on into next week now.“Obviously it's a really important decision for us as a club and we want to make sure we get that right. There are still things we need to discuss and do. We've got Rob [Burrow’s] funeral tomorrow so nothing will be announced by the club until next week.”

Of Arthur, Blease confirmed: “He and a number of candidates have been discussed and interviewed by me last week. I'll be making those choices next week.” He added appointing Arthur on an interim basis was “one of our options”.

A short-term arrangement would allow Blease to continue his search for a permanent successor to Rohan Smith who stepped down last month. In that case, Salford Red Devils’ Paul Rowley is likely to be the leading target.

It would also prove Rhinos have not given up on this season and Arthur would have an opportunity to review the team and make recommendations to a successor. Smith’s assistants Chev Walker and Scott Grix took the team for Saturday’s extra-time win against London Broncos, but with 11 games remaining in the regular season Rhinos would be keen to bring Arthur in as soon as possible, if a deal is finalised.

The 50-year-old spent 10 years in charge of Parramatta before being axed in May. He is understood to be in line to take charge of a new Perth side in the NRL so is unwilling to commit to a long stint in the English game.