Leeds Rhinos star, Jake Connor, has capped off a stellar 2025 campaign by earning a promotion, and will become the new head coach of one of the biggest club’s in amateur rugby league.
The 2025 Man of Steel has worked with Halifax-based club, Siddal, for the past few seasons, and will now step up to become their permanent head coach.
The club currently compete in the National Conference League Premier Division, and won the league in 2024, with Connor on board.
A side known for bringing through Super League quality players, current England international Morgan Smithies came through there, and New Zealand Warriors-bound Morgan Gannon are two of many of their thriving graduates.
Connor, a Siddal amateur himself, takes over from Gaz English in the role, who has coached the club since 2023. The Rhinos half-back will be joined by Gaz Blackburn, Russ Holroyd and Jason Greenwood-MacDonald.
“Ready for the job” – Leeds Rhinos star picks up head coach gig for 2026
Speaking to the club social media about the announcement, Connor said: “I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to coach this great club.
“I’ve done a few years of being an assistant and now I feel like I’m ready for the job and want to lead the boys to success in 2026.
“It’s great to get Gaz Blackburn onboard with us it’s a huge signing for the club and the boys.
“We have everything we need, the foundations are built and we just need to deliver now as we have fallen short the past 2 years so I’m looking forward to what the boys can do next year”
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