After months of speculation, it was announced today that Brad Arthur will remain with the Leeds Rhinos for the 2026, and possibly beyond.

The Australian coach was subject to much speculation over the past few months relating to whether we would stay with the Rhinos or join his family back in Australia after this season. Now the decision has been made with the coach having signed a contract until the end of 2026, with the option of a rolling year-to-year extension from there on in.

Speaking to the Leeds Rhinos’ club website on the news, Leed’s sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are delighted that Brad will be staying at the Rhinos next season and hopefully for more years to come. I know it was a big decision for him and his family. Brad is a man of his word and he did not want to commit to us if there was any doubt that he needed to return home to Australia. As a club, we are also grateful to Brad’s family for the support they have given him, often in professional sport, there is a danger we can forget that the decisions that players and coaches make have a big impact on those closest to them. 

“Brad has had a big impact on our entire club, as I hoped he would when he arrived last year for that first ten week spell. He has developed our young players and set standards for our all squad. Whilst we have got so much still to look forward to this season, I am looking forward to seeing how Brad and his backroom team take the squad to the next level with another pre-season under their belt this winter having seen what has happened already in the last year.”

Arthur himself added: “

I am really pleased to be staying here at the Rhinos. My family and I have been made to feel so welcome since the first day I walked in the door at AMT Headingley and I am excited about what this group of players can achieve. I would like to thank Paul Caddick and Ian Blease, in particular, for the support and patience they have shown to me. 

“I always said from the outset that I only wanted to be here if I felt I could help make the team better and have an impact on this group of players. I am so proud of how they have grown as a group, no one can ever doubt their determination and commitment to the club and each other and I think that is something that shouldn’t be underestimated. I am looking forward to building on those foundations with our coaching team in the months ahead. 

“Finally, I would like to thank my family for their support. Having come over here originally for two and half months, Leeds has certainly made us feel at home. I am looking forward to the remainder of the season and this group of players fulfilling their potential.”

While this new deal locks the head coach down for next season, the Rhinos’ focus is sure to be on the run-in for the 2025 Super League play-offs, with the team currently sitting fifth. Their next fixture sees them travel to Castleford Tigers on Saturday.

Written by Nathan Major (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Source: https://www.therhinos.co.uk/article/22213/brad-arthur-commits-future-to-leeds-rhinos