Brad Arthur confirms NRL players ‘looking’ for Leeds Rhinos move

Brad Arthur has said there is “definitely a lot of interest” from Australia among players potentially moving to Leeds Rhinos, something the Australian revealed in his first official press conference.

Arthur has spoken to the media before, but at the time Chev Walker was still in caretaker charge of the club, with Leeds Rhinos opting for Walker to take charge of their match against Warrington Wolves last week, with Arthur only arriving in the country a day earlier after being confirmed as the club’s new manager.

The 50-year-old Australian spoke to Sky Sports and the press after the game, but his job officially began on Friday and today was the first time he would preview a game for the media.

It’s understandable that questions have focused on his future and what comes next, somewhat ironic considering he’s only been in the role for five days, but one of the main lines of questioning has centred on the suggestion that Arthur has previously recommended players to sporting director Ian Blease.

The idea came courtesy of Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin, who, ahead of Thursday night’s game against Warrington, said: “I was speaking to a few Leeds executives in the tunnel and he’s already made recommendations.”

Brad Arthur has now provided more insight into his possible influence on Leeds Rhinos’ transfer policy.

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Brad Arthur reveals NRL players interested in Leeds Rhinos switch

When asked about Ian Blease revealing that Arthur had discussed the possibility of bringing in players, the Australian clarified that it was not just a throwaway comment.

Referring to the uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club beyond 2024, Arthur explained that players have indeed been in touch about a potential move to the club.

Speaking to the media, he said: “I’ve had a few players reach out to me (about) and like I said, whether or not I’ll be here next year, which I’m not leaning one way or the other with that at the moment. I’m just taking it one week at a time and I’m just trying to enjoy my job and coach as best I can and improve the players and improve the team.

“I want to help and ensure the club has the best possible squad within the limits of the salary cap and quota places, something I am still trying to understand as they are different rules to Australia.

“But there is definitely a lot of interest from players wanting to come and play for Leeds. It’s a great city, I’ve only been here for half a week but it’s a great city and the club has everything it needs.”

This admission from the Australian will prompt questions from Leeds Rhinos fans about which players Brad Arthur could potentially sign. Recently, a handful of players from his former club, Parramatta Eels, have been named as being in the hot seat in the Australian press.

Additionally, there are also Super League recruits who could now be tempted to make a switch given their huge NRL pedigree, and we’ve already seen a permanent transfer this week with Luke Yates moving to Warrington Wolves earlier. Could Leeds Rhinos be next to make deals?