Leeds coach Brad Arthur has confirmed his interest in taking England to the World Cup – but he doesn\u2019t want to be anyone\u2019s assistant.<\/p>\n
Following Shaun Wane\u2019s decision to stand down in the wake of last year\u2019s 3-0 Ashes series whitewash, a host of candidates have been thrown up for the vacant men\u2019s coaching position including Sam Burgess, James Graham, Willie Peters, Michael Maguire, Paul Rowley and more.<\/p>\n
Former Eels boss Arthur is another one of them and he was asked after his side beat newly promoted Bradford in a pre-season game at Headingley on Saturday whether he was interested.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d he answered. \u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed my time here. That\u2019s coaching at the elite level. I don\u2019t know where it\u2019s at or what their process is.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve got some interest in it but my priority and main job and main focus is right here right now with this team. If something opens up there, I\u2019d like to have a conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked if the post being part-time made it more realistic for him, Arthur responded: \u201cI wouldn\u2019t consider it if it did (affect my Leeds job). My number one priority is Leeds Rhinos and this team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arthur was then asked about the possibility of working with other Super League coaches such as Hull KR\u2019s Peters.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, I hadn\u2019t thought too much about it,\u201d he said. \u201cYeah \u2026 who knows where it will take us but I\u2019ve only got interest in being the head coach mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on October 17 before meeting France, also in the Western Australia capital, on October 24 and Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on October 30.<\/p>\n