Last Week’s Rugby League Action and the Search for a New Leeds Rhinos Head Coach
Last week, the Leeds Rhinos secured a victory over the Leigh Leopards, but they now face a week-long break that will be consumed by the search for a new head coach. Former Rhinos player Danny Buderus, who had flown over for just 72 hours to help celebrate the life of Rob Burrow at the game between the Rhinos and Leigh, has weighed in on the rumors surrounding Brad Arthur as a potential candidate.
The match at Headingley saw 17,535 fans turn up to pay tribute to Burrow, who sadly succumbed to his fight with MND at the age of 41 earlier this month. Jamie Jones-Buchanan hinted that a pre-match speech by Buderus, the former Australian international, was the key reason behind Brodie Croft’s Man of the Match performance, with Croft scoring two tries in the first half and delivering an emotional post-game interview.
“Buderus, who now works in the media in Australia, confirmed that the removal of Rohan Smith as head coach happened while he was in the air. Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, he expressed his disappointment in the decision and suggested that both parties may have benefited from it.”
When asked about the qualities the new head coach should possess, Buderus emphasized the importance of leadership, something he believes former Parramatta Eels boss Brad Arthur has in abundance. Buderus, who works closely with Brian McDermott, acknowledged that Leeds have a young squad and would likely require a coach who can educate and motivate them.
Regarding Arthur specifically, Buderus praised his coaching credentials, including his 10-year tenure at the Eels and experience in the junior development program. Buderus believes that if Arthur were to take the Leeds Rhinos job, he would be an “awesome coach” and that the key for the club would be to find a coach who can provide long-term stability and leadership.
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