Hull FC have set their sights on Jake Arthur.
Brad Arthur has revealed he’s given his son and Hull FC transfer target Jake Arthur advice on a possible move to the Black and Whites – with any move a factor in his own decision to remain head coach of the Rhinos.
All Out Rugby League reported on Monday that Hull are interested in signing the 22-year-old half-back, with the club understood to be front runners after the player’s management offered the current Newcastle Knights youngster to Super League clubs.
Arthur’s preference is understood to remain in the NRL, but the player, who will debut for the Knights this week, is out of contract at his current club at the end of the season, with a deal thought to be in the works at Hull.
And his father could now be a key part in that deal being completed, with Arthur Senior set to come to his own decision on his future at Leeds.
The Rhinos boss has been weighing up whether to stay on at the club, who have offered him a multi-year deal and set a deadline to come to a decision by Monday, with his two sons both playing rugby league in Australia. But if one were to move to England, it could make that decision all easier with many factors currently at play.
Speaking on his son’s potential move to Hull and whether that would help his own call, Arthur senior said: “It helps. But I’ve still got another young bloke (Matt) over there, so I’m leaving him in the lurch.
“They’re things we’re going to discuss (as a family) on Sunday, but it certainly helps having him here. There are a lot of moving parts to it. I wish it was simple, but it isn’t.”
On Jake’s potential move to Hull FC, Arthur continued: “I’ve given him advice, but he’s 22 now; he doesn’t want to listen to me!
“He’s at a stage of his career where he’s getting an opportunity this weekend to play, and he’s grateful for Newcastle giving him an opportunity. But he’s got an opportunity over here where he might be able to run his own team. That’s up to him. I’ve told him it’s a good competition.”
As for Brad Arthur’s own future, Leeds will know on Monday where they stand after months of speculation. The former Parramatta coach joined Leeds towards the end of last season and has guided the Rhinos to an almost certain play-off finish in his first full year in charge – with club sporting director Ian Blease setting Monday as the deadline for a decision.
“Me and Bleasey had a good conversation the other day,” Arthur said. “We talked about a multi-year deal with a few options in the club’s way and a couple of things for me. And I’ll make a decision on Monday.
“My priority is the game on Thursday (against Leigh), but I think the boys are playing Friday and Saturday; let them play their games, and we’ll have a discussion.”