Alot more competitive over there, though. In context of aussie first grade coaches available he's at the top of what you can get I'd imagine.

We really need someone that can get the younger players transferring into first grade and actually make it.

Agreed, that second bit is critical, how good some of the young players are is still a question to be answered but we have had a lot of false dawns recently

You're unlikely to get a hugely successful NRL coach coming over here unless they are back end of their career. Correct me if i'm wrong but none of Saints recent coaches from NRL were viewed as top tier from a success point of view when they came over.

I think he could be a good one but often he is a ball playing loose forward who doesn’t actually pass the ball, which makes him a second rate prop at the moment.

I thought he really came
On last year but he is one of many who needs some strong coaching.
On Saturday I recall Hull props getting at least 3 offloads away when him and Holroyd were jointly involved in the tackle.
As for TH I thought he would really make it when he was young but he was miles off on Saturday and I think he is in the last chance saloon with a new coach

Be a good idea for the mods to merge this thread into the other one.

Success/experience in the NRL doesn’t automatically translate either.

How did Tim Sheens get on?

True, there are no guarantees but after Agar / jjb / Furner/ RS there is the belief that GH has repeatedly gone cheap and it hasn't worked.

A big name would restore some confidence and show a change/ intention.

I understand Rowley thoughts and wouldn't be against it but if he's top of the wishlist then it must be a short list

Super exciting press conference that

This is a pretty significant issue within the club as a whole, in my view. RS was a 'hands off' coach in terms of managing what was actually happening on the pitch. That would be less of an issue if you had the likes of JP, Sinfield and Mags on the pitch taking charge of things themselves.

Passive coaching and passive players with no one standing up and marshalling them has made us look and play like wet cardboard cut outs.

I don't really think there is anyone obvious in the squad who could be captain (they are a bad bunch), but Rhys Martin (of them) is one - he plays most weeks, has responsibility for kicking and has played different roles, so has some sense of what is needed. He is also captain for PNG as well (if I remember right) and has played in big games so has that too.

Otherwise, it is a struggle to pick anyone else. They all have massive flaws!

Yep agree. Personally my No1 choice is Rowley, with Holbrook 2nd and Arthur 3rd but i'd be happy with either and Blease has a track record of getting these things right so hopefully we will see us move forward significantly.

Choosing the best candidate between Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur, and Jason Demetriou for the head coach position at Leeds Rhinos requires a careful evaluation of each coach's strengths, weaknesses, and fit with the club's needs and strategic goals. Here's a comparative analysis to determine the best candidate:

### 1. **Paul Rowley**
#### Strengths:
- **Experience in Super League and Lower Leagues**: Rowley has had significant success with Leigh Centurions and Toronto Wolfpack, demonstrating his ability to build competitive teams.
- **Innovative Coaching Style**: Known for his innovative and aggressive coaching style, which could bring fresh tactics to Leeds Rhinos.

#### Weaknesses:
- **Lack of Proven Success in Top-Tier Competitions**: While successful in lower leagues, Rowley has not consistently demonstrated the ability to win at the highest level.
- **Inconsistency**: His teams have shown fluctuations in performance, which could be a risk for a club like Leeds Rhinos.

### 2. **Brad Arthur**
#### Strengths:
- **Extensive Experience in the NRL**: Arthur has a decade-long tenure with the Parramatta Eels, including multiple finals appearances.
- **Resilient Coaching Style**: Known for his ability to rebuild and develop teams over time.

#### Weaknesses:
- **Recent Performance Issues**: His recent sacking from the Eels due to poor performance raises concerns.
- **Lack of Premiership Success**: Despite several finals appearances, Arthur has not secured a premiership, which is a key expectation at Leeds Rhinos.

### 3. **Jason Demetriou**
#### Strengths:
- **Experience in Both NRL and Super League**: Demetriou has experience in both leagues, giving him a broader perspective.
- **Strong Assistant Coaching Record**: Has been part of successful coaching teams and has a reputation for player development and tactical acumen.

#### Weaknesses:
- **Limited Head Coaching Experience**: His head coaching experience is relatively recent and less extensive.
- **Adaptation Period**: Still in the process of proving himself as a head coach, which involves a learning curve.

### Comparative Analysis:
1. **Track Record of Success**:
- **Brad Arthur** has the most extensive experience at the highest level (NRL) but lacks a premiership win.
- **Paul Rowley** has had significant success in lower leagues but less in top-tier competitions.
- **Jason Demetriou** has the least head coaching experience but brings a blend of NRL and Super League exposure.

2. **Fit with Leeds Rhinos’ Needs**:
- **Brad Arthur** brings resilience and experience but may not align perfectly with immediate high expectations due to recent performance issues.
- **Paul Rowley** could bring innovation and a fresh approach but may struggle with consistency.
- **Jason Demetriou** offers a balance of fresh ideas and experience in different leagues but needs more time to establish himself as a head coach.

3. **Player Development and Team Culture**:
- **Brad Arthur** has a mixed record in player development.
- **Paul Rowley** is known for his aggressive style which may not suit all players.
- **Jason Demetriou** has a good reputation for player development and could foster a positive team culture.

### Conclusion:
**Jason Demetriou** appears to be the best candidate for Leeds Rhinos considering his blend of NRL and Super League experience, strong reputation for player development, and potential for long-term growth. While he has less head coaching experience, his exposure to successful coaching environments and understanding of both leagues make him a promising choice. His appointment would bring fresh ideas and a balanced approach, aligning well with Leeds Rhinos' strategic goals and emphasis on youth development.

Thank you ChatGPT!

Rowley would be a good appointment - he wont take any truck from the likes of Newman.

The problem with an Aussie coach is they expect the players to be NRL standard in terms of skill and fitness and it comes as a shock when they aren't. It was no surprise that under both Holbrook and Wolff Saints were the fittest team in SL with the highest skill set.

Rowley has shown an ability to develop and improve players and have them working as a collective.

I don't understand the hostility towards the idea of Wane being our next coach. Arthur would be my choice, but if we go for a domestic option, then I'd want Wane. We need a coach who will raise the intensity on and off the field. A detail orientated coach who can intergrate young players into the first team. Plus he has experience coaching at a big club. Ideal for what we need.

JD should not be in the equation never mind favourite!

At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious the new coaching appointment has to work. Another failure and we will be in the rugby wilderness for years also acknowledging the fact we have been out the limelight for some time. Drawback with an Australian coach is if they become successful they are lured back to the NRL. Think most of us on here recognise Rowley is the best man for the job, it’s up to Hethrington to submit a decent salary package to Rowley. Maybe one with some substantial awards for grand final and challenge cup appearances.

It isnt that long ago that everyone on here wanted Ian Watson, funny how he isn't even mentioned anymore

Paul Rowley
Good SL player
Good motivator
Looks the part.

If Arthur can get our team fitter and better skilled at even the basics then I don't see that as a problem.

Rowley has been coaching for a long time. If he was actually that good, why hasn't Wire, Saints or Wigan come in for him before now? Genuine question.

I suppose you could say the same about Brian Mac.

I wouldn't be gutted if it was Rowley, and it would of course be the most obvious conclusion. I just don't know if it's a convincing appointment. The quality of the overseas signings we make will be criticial, and it's an extremely tough market now. Having a coach with good contacts and reputation over there isn't going to hurt get one or two deals over the line.

Be very interesting to see how we play tomorrow.

We almost need to sign a new captain. One thing Sinny was awesome at was his on-field leadership (a few crazy decisions aside).

I think Holroyd is a good player still, but he hasn't kicked on from the juniors really. All the props, including him and Mik, would look better if we had one or two more genuinely high quality big men in that pack to distribute the load and step up standards.

I know the majority on here feel very good about RS going, but this is yet another sunset on a failed appointment. We have been on the doldrums nearly 10 years now from the back end of Brian Mac's reign. I know we won two trophies in that time but neither season was convincing and I think we were frankly lucky to win either.

We can keep changing coaches, and we have, but it hasn't worked for a very long time now. Either we keep appointing the wrong coaches, or there is something else deeper and more systemic holding the club back.

I don't expect us to win the league every year, but there is really very little excuse for us not to be up there regularly challenging. It's OK GH talking about competitive leagues and salary caps, but the truth is that clubs DON'T all spend the same as each other, because they either don't spend up to cap, or they spank it on the Marquee allowances.

There are some other assistants over in NRL with good reps such as Jason Ryles, but it would be an exceptionally brave move for Leeds to appoint someone else without top-flight head coach experience now.

Bottom line is we need a competent pair of hands and the right cultural fit for where the club is at. Needs to be someone who can work well with Blease. Anyone coming in needs to be super confident too because this is one of the hottest seats in world rugby league.

Indeed a very interesting question. Trouble is at the moment not many outstanding coaches are available . Not forgetting who will take over until the season end, that’s presuming we can’t find a permanent coach in the next few weeks. Whoever takes over will face a massive challenge, half the team are extremely average to say the least.

A coach with a proven, sustained pedigree in top flight RL, no nonsense, with a record of bringing players through. Preferably available now, as filling on an interim basis basically writes this season off and puts us back to square one at the beginning of next. Step forward Brad Arthur.

nobody's happy smith was a failure.
but the fact is he was. you can't keep going when something is obviously not working.
I don't blame smith.
I blame chev for recommending him and GH for appointing him. another cheap appointment