The man behind Leeds Rhinos’ defensive successes in 2025 insists there are still more levels for Brad Arthur’s side to go through: and admits he has aspirations of following in Arthur’s footsteps one day.
At this point in the Super League season, only Hull KR has conceded fewer points than the Rhinos. It is a stunning turnaround from a year ago, and it has contributed significantly to Leeds’ current third-place finish.
Jamie Langley, a former Bradford and Great Britain forward, joined the club in the offseason after spending three years with the Sale Sharks. Tasked with rebuilding Leeds’ defensive structures, he is swiftly establishing himself as a future head coach and a player with a lot of potential in the sport. The 41-year-old has made no secret of his goal to one day be a head coach, possibly with the Rhinos, depending on Arthur’s own aspirations. But, for the time being, he says he is relishing being a part of a Leeds team that, in his words, still has ‘levels and levels’ left in them as they seek to reestablish themselves among the Super League’s best.
“It’s all down to the players, really,” he tells Love Rugby League. “It comes down to their attitude and mindset. Defence is all about mentality, but it can also win you championships. “We had to overhaul all of our systems and data in the offseason, and the guys have had a steep learning curve from the start of preseason. “We’ve required a lot more from the boys in terms of expectations for our defence, but they’ve responded beautifully. I’m quite proud of their attitude and commitment.
“We have levels to progress through as well. There’s plenty of ceiling space. There have been instances when we felt like we were in third gear with gears to shift through. If you compare us to teams that have been together for three or four years, we are still developing synergy.” Leeds may have finished much higher in the league if they had not given up late leads against Warrington and Hull KR. However, Langley argues that those narrow losses have contributed to the Rhinos’ subsequent success, as they were unbeaten in May.
I’ve worked with some of rugby union’s finest players and coaches. British and Irish Lions internationals, who have been in England’s camp for years. I’ve been able to tap into an enormous amount of intelligence. “I felt the moment was right to return, and Leeds is one of the best clubs in our league. It was a simple decision to say yes, and the people here are amazing.”
Leeds’ short and long-term coaching plans remain unknown. Arthur may return for another season in 2026, which may lead to Langley serving a lengthy apprenticeship under the Australian. Could he envision himself as a future head coach? “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’d love to have the opportunity to run a program one day and become an elite head coach,” he tells me. “That’s my dream. That’s something I’ve always wanted to accomplish, and I hope that when the time arises, I’ll be prepared.But, in the medium term, this group has a long way to go, which thrills me as I work under BA. He has done an incredible job and steadied and the culture around the club.
“It’s a great place to be and long may that continue.”
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