https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-former-eels-coach-brad-arthur-leeds-rhinos-contract-extension-news-videos-homesick-nrl-return/news-story/58ae894ea8bd243921dd4d027b19cc51

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-former-eels-coach-brad-arthur-leeds-rhinos-contract-extension-news-videos-homesick-nrl-return/news-story/58ae894ea8bd243921dd4d027b19cc51

Doesn’t read so well for us that. We need to have a plan in place that is more than just give it to Jamie Langley. We should say to BA, we need an answer by a certain date, and if you can’t give us one we will have to move on. Much prefer him to stay, but looks like he’s going.

Yep, I agree. We need deadlines and a robust plan. We simply cannot afford this to drift. 

I'd be amazed if he's here in 2026. I also have some concern over him seeing out this term. I know he has a contract, but talking about mid season pressure and coaches being moved on doesn't fill me with confidence that if an offer comes up he won't have his head turned. He strikes me as an honourable bloke, so I'd like to think he'd see the season out, but the right NRL gig mid term may prove impossible for him to turn down. 

Let's we see what he (or Blease) has to say about it when they face the press early next week. He's bound to be asked so he will have thought about his response. Ironically, homesickness, and more specifically missing his kids, might not prove to be a huge issue long term. The eldest is 22, and playing 2nd grade for Manly. There is no guarantee that he will make a 1st grade NRL half back and we know where a lot players like that head in order to maximise earnings and also experience. The younger one is just turned 20 and also 2nd grade so there could be scenario where both his sons might be better off heading to SL. Obviously we can't be heading into the back end of the season not knowing who the coach for 26 will be so the pragmatic and honourable thing to do is set a date, whenever that may be, at which BA either commits to another year or announces he is stepping down at the end of the season. If that means he hasn't got a gig lined up, so be it. If he does go my money would be on Shaun Wane. He's been waxing lyrical about all things HQ for months now and shares a lot of Arthur's principles.

Interesting shout re. Wane. He'll certainly build on the steel BA is undoubtedly instilling in the squad. Regardless of who we get, I'll be interested in length of contract as an indication of intent and long term direction of travel. 

It looks to me he won`t be here in 2026 more or less saying he prefers to move back to the NRL and has unfinished business there.
Maybe we should be tapping him up for some insider knowledge who we might be able to go after should he decide to leave.
He knows probably all the coaches and their assistants and knows what is needed here.

Yeah.
Really don't want another cheap unproven option.

I agree. no projects. no cheap options

Totally agree 

Watkins deal agreed, apparently  https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/leeds-rhinos-kallum-watkins-salford-1078259?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=communities

Watkins deal agreed, apparently  https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/leeds-rhinos-kallum-watkins-salford-1078259?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=communities

Good news. Gives us more depth and xfactor in the pack imo. Great experience for the younger lads to learn from also.  

Watkins a done deal, it was a no brainer IMO