BRAD Arthur is happy for Leeds Rhinos to be more artisans that artists after they cemented their place in the Betfred Super League top four with a 42-6 trouncing of Salford Red Devils.
The final score does not quite tell the full story of Friday’s clash at AMT Headingley, as the Rhinos only led 10-6 at half time against the competition’s bottom side before turning on the style after the break.
Alfie Edgell led the way for the hosts with a hat-trick of tries as Leeds eventually turned on the style, but head coach Arthur wants to see his players to embrace a more route-one style when it suits as well.
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A strong second 40 for the Rhinos 🦏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/CundjFj8xs
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 18, 2025
“Some of the tries we score are unbelievable, there is some great skill and some great footy tries,” Arthur told Sky Sports.
“But sometimes I just want to see us score some bad tries as well and be comfortable with that.”
“We’re certainly trying to play at finals intensity and hold it for the next eight games.”
Arthur revealed his half-time team talk consisted of just a 30-second spray followed by him leaving the players to sort it out among themselves.
The 51-year-old was delighted to see the Leeds squad respond to his unusual approach in the right way, particularly as he is eager for them to think for themselves.
“They need to grow as a team and I can’t be there to do everything for them,” Arthur said. “Credit to them, they sorted it out.
“The good thing with this group is they understand what works for us and they know how we want to play and what sort of team we want to be.
“When we can be that, you see the difference in the second half. Credit to the guys, they sorted themselves out.”
Arthur’s future with the Rhinos beyond the 2025 season is still unclear as he ponders whether to return to Australia to be closer to his two sons as they forge their respective careers as NRL players.
The picture is expected to become clearer in August, although the former Parramatta Eels boss admitted the Rhinos’ performances are making the decision harder for him.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with this group, and if they keep buying in and playing well they’re making it very hard for me to walk away,” Arthur said.