LEEDS RHINOS head coach Brad Arthur believes that no coach or player is “irreplaceable” as Super League stars continue to leave for the NRL.
Two of Arthur’s stars – James McDonnell and Harry Newman – have already confirmed that they will be exiting Headingley at the end of the 2026 Super League campaign.
Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons pair Toby Sexton and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will depart the French club after just one year to join new NRL club Perth Bears.
But Arthur believes that any players moving on will open the door for fresh blood coming up from the youth ranks.
“There’s going to be a shortage of players in the NRL so it will provide more chances to guys over here. But what that does is to give younger guys a quicker opportunity than they first thought,” Arthur said.
“No coach or players is irreplaceable at any club. Someone will always come in and do a job. Sometimes you don’t even know what you’ve got in your own squad until you give them a go.
“It’s healthy that we are promoting players. When I came over here, I wanted to ensure that I left the club in a better position as well as the competition.”
Arthur also has no concern over a player drain.
“Not from me and my perspective. Guys will surface and we will be like ‘where did they come from?’
“We’ve got a good group of young kids and it gives them an opportunity earlier than expected because that’s how guys get a run from an injury or absence.
“You need talent in your team but you need good depth in the squad and Bleasey (Ian Blease) has done a good job with the depth in our squad.
“It’s easier for the young guys to transition into the first-team just feeding them in one or two at a time. When you’re struggling and putting four or five kids in, then it becomes hard on them.”