Rugby League: Leeds Rhinos Appoint Brad Arthur on Short-Term Deal as Salford’s Paul Rowley Looms Large for 2025

In a surprising turn of events, the Leeds Rhinos have appointed Australian coach Brad Arthur on a short-term contract to succeed the departed Rohan Smith. This comes as speculation mounts around the potential arrival of Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley at Headingley in 2025.

Leeds Chief Declines to Comment on Rowley Speculation

Leeds chief Ian Blease declined to comment on the possibility of Rowley joining the Rhinos, with the Salford coach still under contract until the end of the 2025 season. Blease, who himself only recently joined Leeds, was the one who initially appointed Rowley at Salford and has openly expressed his admiration for the former Leigh and Toronto Wolfpack coach.

Arthur Brought in on Short-Term Deal

The 50-year-old Arthur, who spent over a decade in charge of NRL outfit Parramatta Eels, has been brought in by the Rhinos to steady the ship until the end of the current campaign. Blease cited the club’s desire to avoid “rushing into long-term decisions” as the reason behind the short-term nature of Arthur’s deal.

“We wanted to avoid rushing into long-term decisions, and Brad’s appointment gives us the time to carefully consider our options for the future.”

Rowley’s Potential 2025 Move Still Looms Large

This has done little to quell the belief that Rowley could still make the move to Headingley in 2025, despite Arthur’s appointment. Blease was careful to note that Rowley remains under contract with Salford, and as such, he declined to comment on the coach’s future plans.

As the Rhinos look to navigate the remainder of the season with Arthur at the helm, the shadow of Rowley’s potential arrival looms large over the club’s long-term plans. Rugby league enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the developments at Headingley, with the possibility of a high-profile managerial switch in 2025 capturing the imagination of the sport’s followers.

🔗 Source