Brad Arthur already notices new approach from Leeds’ stars in short-term job
BRAD Arthur knows Leeds’ players are booking in for a brighter future, even though he is only here for short-term.
For seeing the Rhinos’ stars following Brodie Croft’s example and making notes of what he said convinced him he can make a lasting impact.
The Australian former Parramatta coach is officially only at Headingley until the end of the season and he admits he still has unfinished business in the NRL.
However, he has already seen why he can make the players better for the long-term, with a new adjustment at training highlighting that.
Arthur said: “At our first meeting, Brodie had a book to write things down and take some notes.
“I encouraged all the others that if they want to put a bit more time in their game – I was talking for half an hour-40 minutes, I’m sure they can’t retain everything and it’s not what I say, it’s what they hear and take from it.
“So I’d like them to transfer it to a book as everyone’s going to hear something different and get different things from a meeting but they need to write it down.
“When I turned up on Monday, everyone had a book. That was great but it’s all right on day one, we’ve got to be doing it in week two, three and four.
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“That’s where the level of professionalism will be, it’s about being consistent with things. Do that day in, day out and it becomes routine, as do performances and they start turning into more wins.
“There’s a certain level I want to get the team at and that starts at training but the signs I’ve seen are really good.”
Arthur is open to staying beyond this season but he is also heavily linked with the proposed new NRL franchise in Perth.
After more than a decade coaching Parramatta, no-one can question his credentials but they can question his current deal.
And getting the sack from the Eels could be the best thing to happen as Arthur, 50, added: “I can see why people question it but everyone should be looking at the fact the club is invested in now
“Maybe the club’s thinking is ‘Let’s try and get an experienced coach in to see if we can do something now to improve standards, expectations and performances.’
“I think it’s a positive. The positive is the club hasn’t hung around, it’s invested in getting as much as it can out of this year.
“Sometimes things have to come to an end and a change will be good for me. There are things I’ve learned since I was sacked.”