Leeds coach Brad Arthur has confirmed his interest in taking England to the World Cup - but he doesn’t want to be anyone’s assistant.
Following Shaun Wane’s decision to stand down in the wake of last year’s 3-0 Ashes series whitewash, a host of candidates have been thrown up for the vacant men’s coaching position including Sam Burgess, James Graham, Willie Peters, Michael Maguire, Paul Rowley and more.
Former Eels boss Arthur is another one of them and he was asked after his side beat newly promoted Bradford in a pre-season game at Headingley on Saturday whether he was interested.
“Yeah,” he answered. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. That’s coaching at the elite level. I don’t know where it’s at or what their process is.
"I’ve got some interest in it but my priority and main job and main focus is right here right now with this team. If something opens up there, I’d like to have a conversation.”
Asked if the post being part-time made it more realistic for him, Arthur responded: “I wouldn’t consider it if it did (affect my Leeds job). My number one priority is Leeds Rhinos and this team.”
Arthur was then asked about the possibility of working with other Super League coaches such as Hull KR’s Peters.
“Look, I hadn’t thought too much about it,” he said. “Yeah … who knows where it will take us but I’ve only got interest in being the head coach mate.”
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on October 17 before meeting France, also in the Western Australia capital, on October 24 and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30.
Match: England v Papua New Guinea
Round 3 -
home Team
England
away Team
Papua New Guinea
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
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