The time that Brad Arthur will be away from coaching is expected to be brief, as the former Parramatta manager is the front-runner to take over at Leeds. The Super League team fired Australian coach Rohan Smith this week, and they are already looking for a well-known figure to take his place.
Although Arthur has shown interest in the position, he could need to defeat former Souths coach Jason Demetriou, who was also recently fired, in order to be chosen for the position. After a dismal start to the 2024 NRL season, fifty-year-old Arthur was let go last month, bringing an end to his more than ten-year tenure with the Eels.
He expressed a strong desire to continue coaching, and it’s thought he told Leeds how interested he is in the position. Arthur believes that he is ready to take on a new challenge and work as a coach abroad at this point in his life and profession.
He said the following when he was fired: “In 11 years, I’ve learned a lot about rugby league, how to manage people and expectations, how to take care of my family, and most importantly, I’ve experienced the thrill of an NRL grand final week and game without the outcome I had hoped for.
“After a short break I look forward to new opportunities and challenges. I feel I still have plenty to give. I know I’ve made mistakes but I feel like I’ve got a few things right too.”
Leeds Rhinos lose Smith Rohan
Smith, the son of legendary Parramatta coach Brian Smith, was fired by Leeds after a run of disappointing performances that saw the team finish eighth in the Super League after 14 rounds. “It is fair to say the Rhinos results and performances this season have not met all our expectations to get us back to where we want to be,” Gary Hetherington, the company’s CEO, stated.
“Ian Blease’s appointment as our first sporting director marked the beginning of the board’s long-term plan for where we want the club to go. Ian is now giving our future choices a lot of thought before he recommends anything to the board.”
