BRAD ARTHUR has committed to Leeds Rhinos – but only for one more season as a minimum.
After much deliberation and rumour of a return home, the Australian coach has signed for 2026 as part of a rolling contract.
Leeds said in a statement: “The deal includes a clause that will roll over for further seasons if both Arthur and the club are happy to continue.”
Former long-serving Parramatta Eels boss Arthur joined the club last July on a short-term deal and, although unable to recover the Rhinos’ season and earn a place in the play-offs, he agreed a one-year extension.
This season Leeds have been much improved under his coaching, winning 14 Super League games out of 21 so far to close in on their first top-six finish in three years.
While the Rhinos have been desperate to tie him down, Arthur has been weighing up his professional success in the UK with the fact much of his family remains in Australia.
But after being given a deadline to confirm his decision on a future contract, the 51-year-old is excited to continue with the team.
“I am really pleased to be staying here at the Rhinos,” said Arthur.
“My family and I have been made to feel so welcome since the first day I walked in the door at AMT Headingley and I am excited about what this group of players can achieve.”
“I always said from the outset that I only wanted to be here if I felt I could help make the team better and have an impact on this group of players.
“I am so proud of how they have grown as a group, no one can ever doubt their determination and commitment to the club and each other and I think that is something that shouldn’t be underestimated.
“I am looking forward to building on those foundations with our coaching team in the months ahead.”
Leeds sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are delighted that Brad will be staying at the Rhinos next season and hopefully for more years to come.
“I know it was a big decision for him and his family. Brad is a man of his word and he did not want to commit to us if there was any doubt that he needed to return home to Australia.
“As a club, we are also grateful to Brad’s family for the support they have given him. Often in professional sport, there is a danger we can forget that the decisions that players and coaches make have a big impact on those closest to them.
“Brad has had a big impact on our entire club, as I hoped he would when he arrived last year for that first ten-week spell. He has developed our young players and set standards for our whole squad.
“Whilst we have got so much still to look forward to this season, I am looking forward to seeing how Brad and his backroom team take the squad to the next level with another pre-season under their belt this winter having seen what has happened already in the last year.”