Huge Leeds Rhinos news as Brad Arthur signs new deal: Super League leaders make surprise contract announcement
It is the news all Leeds Rhinos fans were waiting and hoping for: coach Brad Arthur has signed a new contract.
The Australian’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of this season and he had pledged to make a decision about his future at the end of June, but in a shock announcement this afternoon Rhinos revealed he is staying on until at least the end of 2028.
The two-year extension is a huge boost for Rhinos who have been transformed on the field since Arthur took over as coach, initially for 10 games, in July, 2024. They finished eighth in his debut campaign, but were fourth last season - their best position since 2017 - and are now top of Betfred Super League with 13 of the 27 rounds played.
The length of the deal is a positive surprise after Arthur had been on a rolling one-year contract. The former Parramatta Eels boss has made no secret of his desire to coach again in the southern hemisphere NRL, but has been won over by Rhinos and Super League.
The two-year arrangement gives Rhinos some stability and will allow them to press ahead with recruitment plans for 2027 and beyond. Announcing his decision, which was made this morning, Arthur said: “I am really pleased to extend my time with Leeds Rhinos.
“From the moment I arrived I felt the passion that exists throughout this club, from the players and staff to our supporters. We have put a process in place to bring through the best young talent and I am looking forward to seeing that flourish in the years ahead.
“We have a fantastic coaching, conditioning and medical staff who are all committed to the club for the future. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being part of Leeds Rhinos and I am excited by what we can achieve together over the coming years. We are building something that can make our supporters proud and I am looking forward to continuing that journey.”
Delighted sporting director described today’s news as “hugely important for Leeds Rhinos”. He enthused: “Brad has brought outstanding leadership, professionalism and clarity to our rugby programme since joining the club. He has earned the respect of everyone across the organisation through his work ethic, standards and commitment to improving the team every day.
“We have been extremely impressed with the progress made under Brad’s leadership and, just as importantly, the culture he has helped create throughout the club. There is a shared belief about where we are heading and securing Brad’s future enables us to keep building a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
“Brad is one of the most respected coaches in the game and we are delighted he has committed his future to Leeds Rhinos through to the end of the 2028 season.”