Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur confirms interest in England coach role but with key condition
Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur is interested in becoming England’s new coach - but not at the expense of his club commitments.
The Australian is beginning his third season at Leeds and has a rolling contract which will be extended each year if both parties agree. England are searching for a part-time team boss for this year’s southern hemisphere World Cup and Arthur is one of the names being linked. Other potential candidates include ex-Rhinos gaffer Brian McDermott, Hull KR treble-winner Willie Peters and Sam Burgess of Warrington Wolves.
Asked, after Rhinos beat Bradford Bulls in Cameron Smith’s testimonial game, if he’s interested in the role, Arthur confirmed he is, but stressed the Leeds job is his priority. He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time here.
“That’s coaching at the elite level, but I don’t know where it’s at or what their process is. I’ve got some interest in it, but my priority and main job and main focus is right here, right now with this team. If something opens up there, I would like to have a conversation.”
Arthur, whose side suffered a series of injuries against Bulls, ruled out being an assistant in the England setup and insisted he “wouldn’t consider it” if the job impacted his work at Leeds. England’s first two World Cup games, against Tonga and France, are scheduled for Perth, where Arthur has a house. They also face Papua New Guinea in Wollongong. The RFL have ruled out having a mid-season warm-up match.