Agar aims for trophies after signing 12-month rolling contract at Leeds
Richard Agar admits he will be expected to challenge for silverware after being confirmed as permanent head coach of Leeds Rhinos.
The 47-year-old took control on an interim basis when Dave Furner was sacked in May and has guided the team to safety. After a third relegation fight in four seasons at Headingley, the onus is on Agar to conjure a major improvement in 2020 at a club who have won a record eight Super League titles.
The former Hull, Wakefield and France coach knew the scale of his task when Leeds suffered a humiliating Challenge Cup defeat at Bradford in his first game in charge.
“That was probably one of the darkest days in the club’s history,” said Agar, who has signed a oneyear rolling contract.
“That’s where we were at the time and, with the departure of Dave, it was a bit of a perfect storm.
“We got absolutely smoked by Castleford the week after and that’s when we said we were going to focus on some things that have been the same in rugby league for over 100 years – effort and commitment to each other.”
Agar gradually stopped the rot and restored belief, engineering seven wins from 14 games.
“At a club of this size, opportunities don’t come around that often, if at all,” Agar said. “You’re expected to be up there. I’m not saying we’re going to be challenging for honours Great expectations: Richard Agar will be under pressure to challenge for the play-offs next year because, if you look at St Helens, Warrington and maybe Wigan, you’d think Leeds still have a bit of work to get to that level.
“It’s my job to get them back up challenging for the play-off spots and trophies.”
Meanwhile, an incident of alleged racism during London Broncos’ win at Hull KR last Friday will be investigated further.
A Hull KR player appeared to suggest that New Zealand-born Mose Masoe had been the victim of a racist remark and referee James Child put it on report.
The match review panel have looked at the incident but decided there was nothing clear, so it will be sent for an investigation, about which both clubs have been informed.