Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur appoints co-captains for 2025 with reasons outlined

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur has appointed homegrown duo Cam Smith and Ash Handley as the club’s co-captains for 2025.

England international Handley was vice-captain to Smith last season – but the pair will now share the responsibility between them in 2025.

Arthur confirmed the appointments to his Rhinos playing group on Thursday morning.

“Cam and Ash will have equal responsibility and will share the role,” said Arthur. “Both of them can focus on their own games and lean on each other.

“We will have a leader in the backs and the forwards, whether that is in games or in training.

“They are two people who take so much pride in our history and heritage and being homegrown players is important.

“We all trust and respect them and that is vital when you are picking captains. They will lead by example and drive the standards we have set as group for this season.”

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Smith said: “I am over the moon to be sharing this role with Ash. We have come through the journey together, side by side, we have got a really exciting squad and I am looking forward to a successful year with the team.”

Handley added: “I am honoured to be named co-captain and very proud. We have got a massive year ahead of us. It is about what we do going forward and we want to get this club where it belongs to be.

“Everyone in the group has bought into that, both on and off the field, and they know what is expected of them. The standard of training in the first two weeks has been impressive.

“Myself and Cam can support each other which will hopefully bring the best out of us in our performances as well. Brad has been really clear what he wants from us, but it is not just about us two, there is expectations on every single member of the squad and we will all take things forward in our own way.”

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