Arthur set for Super League extension… as Bears coaching pathway ramps up

Former Eels coach Brad Arthur is reportedly set to extend his stay in the Super League, with a meeting set for Friday to decide his future in England.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting Arthur, who was sacked by Parramatta in May, is set to sign on for a further two seasons as head coach of the Leeds Rhinos.

That contract would end at the conclusion of the 2026 season, leaving him free to take over the Western Bears ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2027.

Arthur initially signed a short-term deal to take over the Rhinos until the end of 2024, but is now set to become their long-term coach.

Any contract he signs with Leeds will reportedly include a clause that allows him to depart the club early to take up any NRL opportunity.

The 50-year-old has been linked with the Bears’ top job since they became the frontrunners to win the next NRL license.

But for now, his talents are set to stay in the Super League, with his wife travelling to England in the coming days.

“My wife gets here on Saturday and I suppose she’s going to be the last piece of it now to make sure she’s comfortable,” Arthur said.

“I’m sure she will be because she’s followed me around. Footy has been our whole life so that won’t be an issue.

“I’ve been honest the whole way through that I want to coach in the NRL but I’m a realist and don’t feel like there will be an NRL job there for me next year.”

Since he became the Rhinos’ head coach, Arthur has steered his side to two wins from four games, with finals on the horizon.