Brad Arthur already sees Leeds stars’ new approach to short-term work

BRAD Arthur knows the Leeds players are preparing for a brighter future, even if he is only here for a short period.

Seeing the Rhinos stars follow Brodie Croft’s example and taking note of what he said convinced him he could make a lasting impact.

The former Parramatta Australian coach is officially only at Headingley until the end of the season and admits he still has unfinished business in the NRL.

However, he has already seen why it can make players better in the long run, with a new training tweak highlighting this.

Arthur said: “On our first date, Brodie had a book to write things down and make some notes.

“I encouraged everyone else to invest a bit more time in the game – I was talking for half an hour and 40 minutes, I’m sure they can’t retain everything and it’s not what I say, it’s what they hear and absorb.

“So I would like them to transfer this into a book, because everyone will hear something different and draw different conclusions from a meeting, but they need to write it all down.

“When I arrived on Monday, everyone had a book. That was great, but it’s okay on the first day, we have to do that on the second, third and fourth week.

“That’s where the level of professionalism will be, it’s about being consistent with things. Do it day in and day out and it becomes routine, as do the performances and they start to turn into more wins.

“There is a certain level I want the team to reach and that starts in training, but the signs I have seen are very good.”

Arthur is open to staying beyond this season but has also been heavily linked with the new NRL franchise in Perth.

After more than a decade coaching Parramatta, no one can question his credentials, but they can question his current contract.

And being sacked by the Eels could be the best thing to happen, as Arthur, 50, added: “I can see why people question it, but everyone should be looking at the fact that the club is invested now

“Maybe the thinking at the club is, ‘Let’s try to get an experienced coach in to see if we can do something now to improve standards, expectations and performances.’

“I think it’s positive. The positive thing is that the club didn’t stand still, it invested in getting the most out of this year.

“Sometimes things have to end and a change will be good for me. There are things I have learned since being laid off.”