Leeds Rhinos news: major development in Brad Arthur saga as contract decision day looms for coach
There has been a major development in the long-running saga of Brad Arthur’s future as Leeds Rhinos coach.
Arthur, who joined Leeds in July last year, is out of contract at the end of this season and has been torn between staying at Rhinos and returning to Australia for family reasons. Following talks with sporting director Ian Blease, the club have now made a formal offer to the 51-year-old and set a deadline of next week for him to make his decision.
The coach said last month he would meet Blease after the round 20 derby at Wakefield Trinity, two weeks ago. With only seven games remaining in the regular season, Rhinos are anxious for an answer so they can step up preparations for 2026.
The eight-time champions have been revitalised under Arthur, sitting fifth in the table ahead of Thursday’s trip to third-placed Leigh Leopards and on course to feature in the Betfred Super League play-offs for the first time since 2022. Blease told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I have made him an offer and we have put a deadline on it of next Monday [August 11]. At the moment he is talking with his family about that. We have done all we can and we’ve set a deadline for him to make his decision, so hopefully he makes the right one.”
Arthur has made it clear he is happy at Leeds, but the former Parramatta Eels boss is also keen to coach again in the southern hemisphere NRL and finds it difficult being away from sons Jake and Matt, who play for Newcastle Knights. However, in what could potentially be a significant move for Leeds, playmaker Jake – who is set to make his Knights debut this weekend – is understood to be considering a switch to Super League for next season.
Rhinos are not in the market for a half-back at this stage, but the prospect of one of his sons playing in England next year could play a part in Brad Arthur’s thinking. Of the chances of the coach staying on, Blease added: “As a club, I think we have done everything we can [to keep Arthur]. We have been open and honest and professional with each other. Brad will make the best decision for himself and his family. Hopefully he will stay at Leeds and enjoy [being part of] what we are building together. I am hopeful.”