LEEDS RHINOS star Jake Connor has been appointed Siddal head coach ahead of next season.

The 31-year-old, who won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel in 2025, has been an assistant to Gaz English at the Halifax-based National Conference League club in recent years.

Though Siddal have lifted the League Leaders’ Trophy in both seasons, they have also lost both Grand Finals.

Connor said: “I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to coach this great club.

“I’ve done a few years of being an assistant and now I feel like I’m ready for the job and want to lead the boys to success in 2026.

“We have everything we need. The foundations are built and we just need to deliver now as we have fallen short the past two years, so I’m looking forward to what the boys can do next year.”

Along with Connor leading the team, Gaz Blackburn has been drafted in as his new assistant, with Russ Holroyd and Jason Greenwood-Macdonald still remaining at the club.

Chairman Paul Hirst added: “We knew we had to move fast. This decision wasn’t just about filling a role – it was about protecting the identity and momentum of this club.

“Getting the right people through the door for this group of open age players was our top priority.

“We are confident this is the right appointment for the club. Jake and Gaz were our leading candidates from day one and exemplify the values that define Siddal.

“We are delighted that they have accepted the role of guiding the first-team and continuing the momentum built over the past two seasons.

“Their decision demonstrates the high level of commitment and belief in the club’s infrastructure and long-term vision.”