Who will replace David Furner as Leeds Rhinos head coach?

Former Wigan boss Shaun Wane has emerged as the early favourite to succeed David Furner as the head coach of Leeds Rhinos.

The three-time Grand Final-winning coach jumped to 2/1 market leader in the rugby league betting earlier after confirming his interest in the newly vacant position.

Wane told Wigan Today that he’s received no contact from Leeds as of yet, but added: “I’ve always said I’d like to work in rugby league again at some point and I’ve not ruled anything out. But at the same time, I’m very happy with my role with Scotland RU [where he is high performance coach], as well as my keynote speaking and business interests.”

‘Action was needed to move in fresh direction’

The report comes after 2017 champions Leeds announced this morning that they had dispensed with the services of Australian Furner after only 14 games in charge at Headingley. The most successful side in the Super League era have picked up only four wins in the league so far, leaving them a precarious two points above bottom club London Broncos.

Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield, who will remain in his post after receiving the backing of the Rhinos board, said: “This was a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly… Unfortunately, we have not started the season as we had all hoped and action was needed to move in a fresh direction with this group of players this season.”

A former Leeds second-rower and successful NRL coach, Furner was a popular choice when appointed head coach at Leeds following the sacking of Brian McDermott last year. However, the 48-year-old has paid the ultimate price for his charges’ dismal start to 2019.

Agar to take temporary charge at Headingley

Assistant coach Richard Agar, appointed Furner’s number two in January following the departure of James Lowes, will take interim charge of the side while Sinfield and chief executive Gary Hetherington seek a permanent replacement.

Having reportedly been seen in attendance at Leeds’ 28-16 defeat at Salford alongside Sinfield, former Halifax coach Richard Marshall is believed to be in the frame for a role of some kind at the Emerald Headingley Stadium. The bookmakers seem to be under the impression that this will be in the form of assistant coach, as he’s 4/1 (albeit second-favourite) to take over as head coach. Agar himself is 11/2 to take over permanently, while former Cronulla boss Shane Flanagan rounds out the top four at 7/1.