Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur confirms England coach setback
Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur today confirmed he won’t be coach of England at this year’s World Cup.
Brian McDermott, who guided Rhinos to four Betfred Super League titles from 2011-2017 and is now an assistant at NRL club Gold Coast Titans, is expected to be confirmed in the role within the next few days. A panel, including former Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield, was established at the start of this month to select a successor to Shaun Wane who stepped down in January after six years in the post.
Arthur was interviewed last week, but speaking at his regular preview press conference today - ahead of Friday’s visit of Catalans Dragons - he confirmed: “I’ve missed out. It is what it is. All my focus and attention is still on here on the Rhinos because we’re doing okay.”
Arthur stressed he had no regrets about applying for the job, which will be on a part-time basis and is initially for this year’s tournament only. He said: “I’m happy with what I did in the interview and the process and I’m extremely happy here. I love my job at the Rhinos and I’ll just keep cracking on.”