Why Leeds Rhinos won't be recruiting Wakefield Trinity assistant-coach Lee Gilmour
Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar says his backroom staff for 2020 is now in place - and Wakefield Trinity assistant-boss Lee Gilmour is not heading to Emerald Headingley.
Reports have suggested Gilmour is set to join Leeds to work alongside Agar.
The Rhinos coach confirmed an approach was made last autumn, but that was turned down by Trinity and Leeds "respected that".
Agar said: "We spoke to Wakefield in October or November, via [chief executive] Michael Carter and [coach] Chris Chester to see if they would be prepared to release Gilly from the last year of his contract.
"It was a no and we left it at that. We have appointed our staff for 2020."
James Webster, who is also coach of Featherstone Rovers, is working alongside Agar on a part-time basis and former Rhinos player Jamie Jones-Buchanan was appointed as an assistant in January. Rhinos' under-18s coach Chev Walker also works with the first team squad.
Carter confirmed: "Lee is under contract. He is a Wakefield Trinity employee and remains under contract this season."