Leeds Rhinos have appointed David Furner as their new head coach from the start of next season.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant has signed a three-year deal with the club, having won Super League with the Rhinos as a player in 2004.
Advertisement
He previously worked as head coach for Canberra Raiders from 2009 to 2013. Leeds sacked Brian McDermott in July, with James Lowes and director of rugby Kevin Sinfield taking temporary charge.
After finishing in the bottom four of Super League, Leeds have won two of their first three games in the Qualifiers as they bid to stave off possible relegation to the Championship.
Furner could yet taste NRL success with South Sydney, who are in the Finals but started their play-off campaign with a 29-28 loss to Melbourne Storm. They now a face a must-win semi-final with either Brisbane Broncos or St. George Illawarra Dragons.
"First of all, it is fantastic to be heading back to a club where I have so many fantastic memories from my playing days," Furner said.
"I would like to say thank you to the board of directors, Gary Hetherington and Kevin Sinfield for offering me this opportunity and I am looking forward to helping the club progress in the future.
"I know that Kevin and the team are working hard to get through the Qualifiers at present and I have every confidence they will do that with the backing of the fantastic fans at the Rhinos.
"I have had two wonderful seasons at the Rabbitohs and this was not a decision that I took lightly.
"Returning to England is something my family and I are excited about come the end of the season, in the meantime, I am looking to finishing my time at South Sydney in the best possible fashion and wish Kevin and the team good luck for the remainder of their campaign starting on Sunday at Widnes."
