Bluey Has Quit

Leeds Rhinos have today confirmed that Head Coach Brian McClennan is to leave the club with immediate effect to be replaced by Brian McDermott.

McDermott, 40, agreed to rejoin the Rhinos earlier this year from Harlequins RL to be assistant to McClennan for the final year of the New Zealander's contract with the club however McClennan has now decided to hand over the reins to McDermott for the 2011 season.

Chief Executive Gary Hetherington announced the decision at a press conference at Headingley Carnegie. He commented, "To better understand this decision, we have to go back to mid-way through last season when Brian McClennan was considering another 1-year extension offer for 2011. After a lot of thought, Brian opted for what would be his last year in 2011 and it was decided then to try and identify his successor.

"Brian McDermott was the choice of Brian and myself and he was appointed to come in for 2011 as Brian's number two before taking over in 2012.

"Brian McClennan now feels the time is right for him to stand down and accelerate the handover to Brian McDermott. Brian McClennan and I have spent a lot of time recently discussing this and I have to say, losing Brian is not something I wanted to hear, but I understand his decision and he will leave after 3 great years and as one of the most popular and influential characters ever to serve the club.

"We're fortunate to have someone of Brian McDermott's ability and experience to take over. Brian is one of the most talented young English Coaches in the game and we believe he is the right man to oversee the next stage in the Rhinos development. He is very familiar with the culture and expectations at the Rhinos.

"We now have the task of developing a new coaching team. Francis Cummins, Willie Poching and Aleks Gross have recently departed and we will be advertising for the positions of assistant coaches.

Brian McClennan led Leeds Rhinos to finals in each of his three years at the club. In 2008, Leeds defeated Melbourne in the Carnegie World Club Challenge in his first game in charge before going on to be the first team to win the world title and Grand Final in the same season. In 2009, his Leeds side made history by winning three Engage Super League titles in a row as well as picking up the League Leaders Shield. Last season, the Rhinos narrowly lost to Melboure in the Gillette World Club Challenge and reached Wembley for the first time since 1999.

Commenting on his decision Brian McClennan said, "Since the conclusion of last season, I have had time to reflect. I have also spent time with Brian McDermott assessing the future. Therefore, I think the time is right to hand over the reins now rather than later. I just feel if I continued it would be for selfish reasons only. Brian is ready now and will do a great job.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the wonderful players and staff who have been terrific these past 3 years. The fans have been great too.

"I would also like to thank Gary Hetherington. He is a good man and I will always be grateful for the opportunity he has given me and my family. We leave with great memories," added the former New Zealand Head Coach.

Brian McDermott, who has agreed a three year contract, is rejoining Leeds Rhinos having previously worked under former Head Coach Tony Smith at the club in 2004 and 2005. He commented, "I feel very humbled and honoured to take over from Brian McClennan as Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos and I'm also very determined to help improve again a top class bunch of players and men. Super League is a tough competition to win and we'll all have to step up another level if we are challenge for honours next year."

McDermott's first game in charge with the Festive Challenge game against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Boxing Day, 26th December, kick off 11.30am.