Leeds Rhinos to consider new coaching applicants as search heats up

Leeds Rhinos are set to consider further candidates during the next stage of their pursuit of a new head coach as the club continues to work through the process of appointing a new head coach.

The Rhinos are on the lookout for a new head coach following the departure of Rohan Smith last month, who departed after just over two years in charge at Headingley. That has seen the club receive applications from across the globe, with Sporting Director Ian Blease using the international break to determine whether further applicants would be considered in the next part of the recruitment process.

Paul Rowley, the current Salford Red Devils head coach, and Brad Arthur, the former Parramatta Eels boss, are believed to be two coaches Leeds have identified as strong candidates for the position, and both still remain in the club's thinking.

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However, it's believed that Blease has also identified other candidates that will continue to be considered, giving the Rhinos more options as they close in on making a final decision. The coaches that are being considered remain unclear, though Jason Demetriou, the former South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach, is known to have shown interest in the position since Smith's departure.

The Rhinos are keeping their options open, given that there is no guarantee that either Arthur or Rowley are necessarily attainable. Arthur is currently without a job but has been linked with other NRL roles, and it's unclear whether he considers the Leeds job as a long-term option.

As for Rowley, he is contracted at Salford, and it's unclear what sort of financial package the Reds would want to make that happen. The Rhinos may decide to look elsewhere should the Red Devils ask for what they consider to be over the odds for a coach who is off-contact at the end of next year.

From a timing perspective, it's almost certain that Leeds will not have anyone in position by the time they play London Broncos this Saturday. While Leeds are keen to get the next coach in position as soon as possible, they are willing to show some patience if it ensures they get their desired candidate.

The Rhinos are currently seventh in Super League, two points adrift of the play-offs with twelve rounds of the season to go.