Delighted that Sir Kevin Sinfield is back at the club, slightly concerned that his first coaching job is head coach. I guess Lowes is the best person we could get to come in as assistant, I presume Barry Eaton will also stay on as assistant.

Why not give Barry Eaton a go instead of James Lowes ? (for the remainder of the season) Eaton already works with the current squad, whilst James Lowes doesn't have much time to familiarize himself with the entire squad.

Perhaps Lowes was only willing to leave Yorkshire Carnegie if he was number 2 to Sinfield. Eaton can continue his work with the squad anyway.

Well, it'll be reviewed at the end of the season, so if Lowes is just an interim coach then I don't mind.

I'm very confident that Dave Furner will be the Head coach of the Rhinos for 2019

Great announcement today regarding Sinny but this is surely only a short term move before he ultimately ends up as Hetherington's successor as CEO

Hmmmm a tip off or gut feeling?

Think I would of preferred a higher class of coach to get the big names in for next season. Then breed kev for the job over the next few years. But saying that I hope the role works and having full control could be brilliant!

Just seen a valid point on twitter re Director of Rugby. Wasnt Powell made Director of Rugby on Smiths appointment before he ultimately left Leeds?

Pete Smith seems to think not but im not so sure? He definitely moved upstairs for a period.

Wasnt that Leeds Rugby ie both League and Union (though mostly Union) rather than Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby?

I cant remember. Just thought it was interesting given the announcement as a new position.

Really pleased Sir Kev is back. Hope he doesn't take on too much responsibility too early but for me 100% the right man for the job. The ultimate pro.

He's at an age where the players can relate and respect. He will have an open attacking philosophy which we need and I think he will develop the young players at the club.

Change was needed and I firmly believe were in a stronger position now than last week even if the league position says different

Happy with sinfield as DOR, think its the ideal role for him. Absolutely gutted with lowes as coach, hopefully he's a stopgap until the end of the season until we can get our future coach in.

I agree. this move gives the club time to find a top coach and sinfield time to find his feet. sinfield will end up with Hetherington job in a year or too.
I just hope we have enough to stay up this season.

In the film As good as it gets? it really seemed like Sinfield was finished with the game and had absolutely no desire to continue being involved in it. Didn't he also say he had no real interest in coaching too? What's changed his mind?

cam you see him coaching long before he moves upstairs?
I give him next season at most

Sinfield is in charge of everything from player recruitment to player selection and training. Which top coach would work under somebody in this way? Lowes is just assistant coach with a different name.

what don't you understand about hetheringons role?

Yep I thought that too and was trying to remember back. I’m sure Powell was made Director of Rugby back in 03 but I think it might have been Leeds Rugby rather than Leeds Rhinos.

That’s my view too.

Does anyone know when Lowes came back to the club? I assumed he’d been got rid of when he finished as assistant a few years ago but he’s obviously been involved this season in some capacity.

Wasn't Lowes involved in coaching Carnegie recently?

If Sir Kevin hasn't got his coaching badges then he couldn't coach. So, to get round this problem, he's brought in as director of rugby and Lowes (or anyone else) is made coach (assistant). Foxy Gary will always find a way of getting whatever benefits the Rhinos.

He's never really been away to be honest.

For the rest of SL, definitely. Huddersfield and Catalans especially.

I think people are underestimating Lowes. He's obviously very highly thought of at Leeds (this is officially the third time he's returned since Dean Bell let him go although as said he has been involved on and off as quasi assistant for a while). Let him focus on coaching and he may well deliver again.