Leeds Rhinos Face Coaching Shakeup After Disappointing Defeat
On June 17th, 2024, the Leeds Rhinos, a prominent force in the Super League, faced a significant shakeup as the club confirmed the departure of Head Coach Rohan Smith. The decision came on the heels of a disappointing 18-10 defeat against Hull FC, which marked a definitive shift towards crisis mode for the West Yorkshire club.
Prior to the game, questions had been raised about Smith’s future, but the result and performance against Hull only intensified the pressure on the under-fire Rhinos boss. The club acted swiftly, announcing Smith’s exit earlier today.
As the Rhinos prepare for a crucial clash with the Leigh Leopards on Friday, a former Super League referee, Richard Silverwood, has offered his recommendations on potential replacements for the Leeds hot seat. Silverwood believes Paul Rowley, Justin Holbrook, and Brad Arthur should be considered as the leading candidates to take over the reins at the Headingley Stadium.
“Rowley, the current head coach of Salford, has been recently linked with the Leeds job, particularly given the recent appointment of Ian Blease as the club’s new Sporting Director and their previous working relationship. Holbrook, an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters, is also seen as a viable option, having enjoyed a successful spell as head coach with St Helens before a sudden dismissal from the Gold Coast Titans in the middle of the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Brad Arthur, who parted ways with the Parramatta Eels last month after over a decade with the club, has also been touted as a potential candidate to lead the Rhinos.”
The Friday night clash against the Leigh Leopards will be a poignant occasion, as it marks the first time the Rhinos have played at Headingley since the passing of the legendary Rob Burrow. A victory for the Leopards would bring them within one point of the Rhinos, as their recent uptick in form has seen them close the gap on the play-off positions.
As the Leeds Rhinos navigate this crucial juncture, the search for a new head coach will be a top priority, with the three names mentioned by Silverwood likely to be at the forefront of the club’s considerations.
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