Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur confirms contract deadline, hits out at 'unfair' speculation
Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has confirmed when he’ll announce a decision on his plans for 2027 and hit out at ‘unfair’ speculation over his future.
As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Arthur is on a rolling contract and has an agreement to tell the club by midway through the season whether he intends to stay on for the following campaign. The Australian former Parramatta Eels boss has made a big impact since arriving at Leeds in July, 2024, but has continually been linked with jobs in the southern hemisphere NRL.
The Aussie media touted Arthur for the hot seat at new clubs Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs - vacancies which have now been filled - and he has also been put forward as a possible replacement for Anthony Seibold following his recent departure from Manly Sea Eagles.
Speculation dragged on through most of 2025, until Arthur penned his latest deal last August and he is clearly exasperated at being posed the same question. Asked after Sunday’s win against Warrington Wolves about the Manly link, Arthur said: “I reckon I’ve been pretty honest and fair all the way through.
“I don’t think it’s fair on the club we keep having these conversations. I am committed to the club - what will be will be. I have got until June 30 [and on] June 29 I’ll tell everyone what I am doing.”
He stressed: “I am not trying to drag it out; it is hard for me being away from Australia, but I feel like I’ve come in and honoured everything I said I was going to do. I am trying to make the club a better club and the players are buying in.
“What happens in Australia, I have got no control over. People can say I am in for doing this or doing that, but I am committed to this team right now and I have until June 30 to make a decision about whether I stay or not.
“I am not trying to be rude, I am trying to be appreciative of where I am at, but I don’t think it’s fair that I need to continue to justify my position.”