Not surprised, I did wonder if they might make Arthur interim. Blease mentioned this in the initial presser.

My guess is that Arthur might be too rich for Leeds, especially if he has options going into 2025 (setting up the new Perth franchise). He may at least want to keep his options open.

I reckon if he comes in and storms it, discussions will be had to retain him on a longer-term contract. It's a big change for him to come to SL after over a decade in charge of the same NRL club.

Meanwhile it allows us to look at the likes of Rowley if needed as a longer-term head.

I'm not worried about consistency, that is what Blease is here to maintain so that the coaches can focus on coaching. It's not like BA is going to bring loads of new structures in is it?

This does look a lot like us planning on bringing Rowley in but the timing isn't quite right. BA gives us a tilt at still making something happen this season, and allows us to look at him as a longer-term appointment if both parties are happy.

Have you all checked what Rowley WANTS to do?

His plan is DOR at Salford and his #2 to coach.

He is nigh on 50 and he`s looking longer term.

Bleasey admits the trek to Leeds every day is awful on the M62. 1+ hours each way.

Arthur wants the Perth job hence the short term stance,

Maybe, maybe not. 50 isn't exactly ancient though, and if Rowley does fancy being head coach at a club with huge resources this is probably the optimum moment. He's not exactly ruled himself out, has he? He could have done this very easily on more than one occasion over the last few weeks, but instead he's chosen his words very carefully. Good luck to him,and you Salford fans if he does stay. I'm sure tying his future up long term at your club must appeal to him. From a Leeds perspective my observation is that next years coach (Rowley or not) is currently tied to a coaching role and wants to honour those commitments. I would imagine that rules out Demetriou. Can't believe people are grumbling about Arthur in the short term. The players and coaching staff will learn a lot and he'll also be in position to make some candid recommendations to GH and Blease without fearing for his future.

Clearly the next head coach appointed by Leeds needs to be for the longer term as its going to take at least 2 years to reshape the squad based on cap space and the development of a potential group of high calibre academy players is a 3 to 5 year project. The conundrum is that looking at the two most favoured applicants Rowley is not available now but may be for the longer term project and Arthur is currently available but will not commit to the longer contract as has his eyes on Perth.As such this feels like a sensible solution all round. Arthur will bring experience and a fresh pair of eyes to provide Blease with guidance on what changes are needed at club to improve or coaching and recruitment.I would see it like a consultant coming in for a few months. Interestingly many were happy for Sean Wane to do something similar. I wonder what the next permanent coach thinks if it is Rowley as if Arthur does well then goes the pressure is on for the new man.

Arthur will be on the phone to his agent as we speak....

Not sure what the rush to sack Smith was if a) we carry on playing poorly anyway and b) there is no long-term coaching replacement in the works.

I see the point in sacking Smith. Brad Arthur for the rest of the season and the chance to at least address the rot that has set in over the last 18 months.

Somehow after more than 2 years and replacing huge chunks of the first team we still look average at best, awful at worst and with huge issues in the playing squad.

If he's here for just this season, the remit must be all about putting in place a simple gameplan which gives the team half a chance to play well, and giving a realistic appraisal of the the squad, particularly senior players. Today's display suggests to me that for whatever reason we've still got far too many passengers in the squad, little or no leadership and a team as a whole that seems to have forgotten how to play the game properly.

I miss Smith.

I miss having someone to blame, and shouting obscenities at his interview after a game.

We certainly need a new captain and loose forward , sadly, I don't think Cam Smith is worth a place in the team unless its about 6th replacement prop.

We certainly need a new captain and loose forward , sadly, I don't think Cam Smith is worth a place in the team unless its about 6th replacement prop.

I know you are all disillusioned , but, Leeds is still the elite job in English RL, we like to think we (Hull) are a big draw, but Leeds , along with Wigan, are the two top jobs and, perceived by others, two best resourced clubs in the English game. If a coach is available, and you want him, you'll get him, unless that person is a bottler.

Spot on OWL.. won;t let me reply to your post (this site is getting worse)...

It’s seems to have gone quiet on the new coach front I personally would have thought they would have had someone in place by now

Brad Arthur confirmed for the rest of the season