Re: WHO IS NEXT : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:35 am  

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!

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:50 pm  

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.

Re: WHO IS NEXT : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:23 pm  

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.

Re: WHO IS NEXT : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:25 pm  

JD should not be in the equation never mind favourite!

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:50 pm  

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.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:55 pm  

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

Re: WHO IS NEXT : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:58 pm  

Paul Rowley
Good SL player
Good motivator
Looks the part.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 2:05 pm  

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:

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.

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

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 2:18 pm  

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.

Re: Problem players : Thu Jun 20, 2024 2:26 pm  

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.