BY JOHN DAVIDSON
The jungle drums are beating.
Three different sources have indicated in the past five days that Catalans Dragons coach may be headed to Headingley in 2026 to coach Leeds Rhinos.
On the surface it makes sense. McNamara is an experienced, capable English coach. He’s had spells at Bradford and Catalans, and in the NRL at different clubs as an assistant, as well as six years with England.
The 53-year-old has done a fantastic job with Catalans over the past nine years. Under him the Dragons won their first-ever Challenge Cup and reached two Super League grand finals. They have been turned into a top team, from inconsistent into regular contenders.
But last year was tough for the French side, and this season hasn’t been much better. St Helens are doing a number on them on Thursday evening. After nearly nine years overseas, perhaps he’s ready for a new challenge, to head home and rejoin his family?
Leeds are looking for a coach for next year. Brad Arthur has all but confirmed publicly he is going, and he remains the front-runner for the gig in Perth.
There are few veteran local coaches available in the UK. The Rhinos don’t want a rookie coach and probably don’t want another Antipodean after the short tenures of both Rohan Smith and Brad Arthur. They want someone who will stick around long-term, who can handle the Headingley hot seat.
At Perpignan ‘Steve Mac’ has shown he can build a club, blood youngsters and mould a strong culture. He can lead from the top and set standards, something Leeds have been crying out for since Brian McDermott left. He can convince elite players to join his team, something he has done several times over several years at the Dragons.
McNamara has the runs on the board and would come to the Rhinos with a decent pedigree, with a 55% win percentage from 306 games. He is, of course, under contract at Catalans for next year and would require a fee to get him out of his contract.
The chatter is out there about the former Hull FC forward joining Leeds. It may be pure scuttlebutt, it may be just the rugby league rumour mill doing its work.
But after nine seasons in France, maybe McNamara is ready for a change of scenery. And if available, he would certainly fit the brief at the Rhinos.
