On that front I’d have Wane as first choice as new coach , he may not want it but most of this team need a strong coach who tells them what he wants and takes no poop
Wane would be my choice too, he was open to the job in the past. I think he would get some decent signings, probs wigan/ex wigan lads, and get the best out of them, as well as bringing the best out of the current players.
Since 2012, the Parramatta Eels have had several notable achievements, though they have not secured a premiership title in the NRL. Key highlights include:
NRL Finals Appearances: The Eels have qualified for the NRL Finals Series on multiple occasions under the coaching of Brad Arthur, reaching the finals in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Grand Final Appearance: The most significant recent achievement was reaching the NRL Grand Final in 2022, although they did not win the title. NRL Auckland Nines: The Eels won the Auckland Nines pre-season tournament in 2016, although this title was later stripped due to salary cap breaches. Coaching Milestones: Brad Arthur became the most capped head coach in the club's history in 2023, surpassing Brian Smith’s record (Parramatta Eels) (Parramatta Eels).
Leeds need to be aiming to be the best, not just catching up with Wigan and Saints etc. If Wane is so good why hasn't he been a head coach for years? Why isn't he head coach at Wigan? He's just another name on a merry go round that gets mentioned after every coach comes under pressure. 10 years ago it was Brian Noble. No thanks.
The next appointment has to be done right, especially if it is going to be a mid-season one. I'd prefer an interim coach if it is decided that Smith has to go, rather than going with another SL journeyman coach. If we're going down that route Rowley would be preferable. Hopefully not McNamara either but somehow he has managed to extend his career beyond others who have achieved more in the past.
England coach is fine, but it's not exactly the same thing. Wane can pick a new squad every year for England. If we want to be the best in the comp I think we need to aim higher. I'd take him as interim cover if a vacancy emerges, but usually interim replacements come from within. God help us (literally) if JJB is back at the helm.
Leeds need to be aiming to be the best, not just catching up with Wigan and Saints etc. If Wane is so good why hasn't he been a head coach for years? Why isn't he head coach at Wigan? He's just another name on a merry go round that gets mentioned after every coach comes under pressure. 10 years ago it was Brian Noble. No thanks.
The next appointment has to be done right, especially if it is going to be a mid-season one. I'd prefer an interim coach if it is decided that Smith has to go, rather than going with another SL journeyman coach. If we're going down that route Rowley would be preferable. Hopefully not McNamara either but somehow he has managed to extend his career beyond others who have achieved more in the past.
A bit unwarranted on Wane, he has only had a successful coaching career. He left Wigan to go to Union (although i do think the time was right to change), he was never sacked and won plenty of silverware with us even with teams that on paper should have been nowhere near a title.
For the record, i think the only job that Wane would leave his current position for is an NRL head coaching gig, and the only chance he has of getting that would be a series win / world cup win over Australia. At the moment though he is living the dream really. Part time job at his hometown club that is in a period of success, free attendance to all his hometown club's games, free attendance to many games actually around Super League so that he can watch players and still dabbles in a bit of coaching with England. Why would he leave?
On Smith, i have never been a fan since you signed him on. I think he comes across as arrogant in his interviews, almost as if he is too good for the league and we should be lucky he is here, probably galvanised in his head by the brilliant run you guys had when he first signed. I feel i would dislike him just as much if he was the Wigan coach.
Hope your players have the decency to really put a shift in this week and make a true occasion for Burrow and his family, with or without Rohan Smith.
I think you are right with Wane, albeit if he came to Leeds for say three years and got us trophies, I think his chances at the NRL would be much higher.
No DOR would employ Wane outside of Wigan. Peet has discovered who the real boss is - no way Wane is taking orders from a DOR!!
Given Leeds' appalling record of treating overseas players and coaches plus a substandard squad will they be able to attract a top NRL coach - who has to report to a DOR with no NRL experience?
Leeds need to be aiming to be the best, not just catching up with Wigan and Saints etc. If Wane is so good why hasn't he been a head coach for years? Why isn't he head coach at Wigan? He's just another name on a merry go round that gets mentioned after every coach comes under pressure. 10 years ago it was Brian Noble. No thanks.
The next appointment has to be done right, especially if it is going to be a mid-season one. I'd prefer an interim coach if it is decided that Smith has to go, rather than going with another SL journeyman coach. If we're going down that route Rowley would be preferable. Hopefully not McNamara either but somehow he has managed to extend his career beyond others who have achieved more in the past.
It's an interesting point, but I don't think there is such thing as a "best" coach - the universal man. It's a bit like "best" car - well it depends on what you need doesn't it?
Almost all coaches have a shelf life, where their voice in the end becomes less heard, and their little weirdnesses become a problem. We can sign coaches which have had great success in the past, but won't replicate that at Leeds.
In this aspect I can see some logic in paying less money and taking more of a risk on an up and coming coach.
For what Leeds need right now, I actually disagree it's a ball-buster. I think it's someone who can be disciplinarian when needed, but will get behind the lads and form relationships. We have a lot of youngsters coming through and they need someone they can respect, who has been around the block a few times, but understands how to relate to them too.
For me Brad Arthur would be a good fit, if and when RS departs.