Gary Hetherington insists Dave Furner will be Leeds coach in 2019

Leeds’ chief executive Gary Hetherington has confirmed that Dave Furner will still coach the Rhinos next year, despite Australian reports.

Furner will join the Rhinos on a three-year deal from 2019 and is expected to arrive in the UK in a fortnight ahead of the first-team squad returning to pre-season training.

Australian reports have emerged in the last 24 hours claiming that Furner will take over from Anthony Seibold as South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach next year.

Hetherington said: “We are looking forward to Dave arriving at the club and plans are well advanced for next season.

“Dave met with Konrad Hurrell last week to finalise his move to the Rhinos and has been in a constant conversation with myself and Kevin Sinfield regarding other potential targets for next season.

“He has also been speaking to our conditioning staff about his plans for pre-season.

“We know how highly Dave was thought of at South Sydney Rabbitohs, his achievements there were a key reason why we spoke to him about becoming the Rhinos head coach.

“He is someone who knows our club, the potential here at the Rhinos and he is excited about what we can achieve together.”