BRAD ARTHUR has signed a new contract committing him to Leeds Rhinos until the end of 2028.
Since his appointment as head coach in July 2024, Arthur has only ever signed one-year deals, the latest on a rolling basis last August.
But the Australian has now agreed a fresh two-year extension with Leeds, who are currently top of Super League.
Arthur said: “I am really pleased to extend my time with Leeds Rhinos.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt the passion that exists throughout this club, from the players and staff to our supporters.
“I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being part of Leeds Rhinos and I am excited by what we can achieve together over the coming years.
“We are building something that can make our supporters proud and I am looking forward to continuing that journey.”
Leeds were seventh in the table when Arthur took charge and while he was unable to steer them into the play-offs that season, his effect since has been transformational.
Last year he led the Rhinos to not only their first play-off campaign in three years, but their first top-four finish in the regular season since their last title win in 2017.
While a last-gasp try against St Helens subsequently saw them exit the play-offs at the first stage, they have used that heartbreak as fuel in an impressive start to this season.
Following Thursday’s revenge victory over Saints, Leeds sit top of the table with ten wins from their opening 13 matches.
Uncertainty over Arthur’s future would have been a cause of angst for Rhinos supporters, not least with big-name players departing at the end of the year in Brodie Croft (Warrington Wolves), Harry Newman, James McDonnell, Mikolaj Oledzki (all Perth Bears) and Cameron Smith (Wakefield Trinity).
As such, sporting director Ian Blease said: “This is a hugely important announcement for Leeds Rhinos.
“Brad has brought outstanding leadership, professionalism and clarity to our rugby programme since joining the club.
“He has earned the respect of everyone across the organisation through his work ethic, standards and commitment to improving the team every day.
“We have been extremely impressed with the progress made under Brad’s leadership and, just as importantly, the culture he has helped create throughout the club.
“There is a shared belief about where we are heading and securing Brad’s future enables us to keep building a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
“Brad is one of the most respected coaches in the game and we are delighted that he has committed his future to Leeds Rhinos through to the end of the 2028 season.”