BRAD ARTHUR has admitted that he is “very happy” with the squad he has put together at Leeds Rhinos, but that he is always on the lookout for new signings.
The Rhinos have brought in just three new recruits – Jeremiah Mata’utia (North Queensland), Ethan O’Neill (Leigh), Danny Levi (Canberra) – whilst they have lost as many as eight out of Headingley.
Arthur, ahead of his side’s Boxing Day clash against Wakefield Trinity, was asked if he there could well be more new faces through the doors at Headingley.
He said: “We are very happy with the squad we have put together, Bleasey (Ian Blease, sporting director) has done a really good job.
“We are always looking to improve and I say that there is never going to be a time where we are not looking to add players.
“If the right player becomes available to strengthen our squad, we will always look at him.
“The salary cap at the moment is tight and that’s warranted with the senior players we have in the group.”
Arthur hopes to have his key positions available for most of the season, but brought attention to young halfback George Brown, who has taken Jack Sinfield’s mantle as third-choice halfback for 2026.
“Like every coach, you hope that your senior players and key position players can get through a season unscathed but you have to have back-up plans if it does happen,” added Arthur.
“We have two exciting halves in Brodie Croft and Jake Connor. If one of those gets injured then young George Brown will get a chance. And he will get an opportunity in the Boxing Day game.
“He has showed he is more than capable of stepping up. When you do get an injury or players are missing, it gives someone else a chance to show what they can do.”