Brad Arthur’s coaching future remains uncertain, with the Leeds Rhinos set to hold talks in the coming weeks to determine whether the former Parramatta Eels coach will remain in the Super League beyond 2025.
Arthur joined Leeds mid-season after being sacked by the Eels following a disappointing start to the 2024 NRL campaign, which saw the club fall to the bottom of the ladder just two years after reaching the NRL Grand Final.
Now coaching in the UK, Arthur is contracted with Leeds Rhinos until the end of the current Super League season, but an update on his future has been provided by the club's Sporting Director, Ian Blease, who spoke on Sky Sports’ The Bench Podcast.
"I think within the next month or so we need – me and him – to have a professional, honest and open conversation. What's it looking like – because I'm looking at 2027 for recruitment now," Blease said.”
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"I always involved in the head coach, of course I do. He's the main man; how do you want to play? What type of players are we looking at? I'm on the market doing that job for him."
Arthur had been recently linked to the Perth Bears’ NRL coaching position, but was ultimately passed over for Mal Meninga.
Despite interest from Australia, Blease confirmed that Arthur’s long-term direction is still up in the air.
"We work next door to each other and see each other day. We've been open and honest with each other since day one. He's shared his thoughts about going back to Australia," Blease added.”
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"Will that happen? I don't know...My job is to convince him to stay here. He'll have a decision to make, and we all will pretty soon," Blease stated.
"I would suggest it would be one year with an option, hopefully. If I could convince him on that. What side that option is on would be down to negotiations," he concluded.
With recruitment planning already targeting 2027, the Leeds Rhinos are hoping to gain clarity on Arthur’s future soon.
Whether he returns to the NRL or extends his stay in the Super League will likely be decided in the next month.