Exclusive: The Rhinos are on the brink of appointing their top target.
Leeds Rhinos are close to finalising a deal to make Ian Blease their new Sporting Director. Rugby League Live can reveal that Salford Red Devils' Director of Rugby & Operations has been identified as their top target and are expected to secure a deal imminently.
Over the years, Salford has sold the likes of Gareth O'Brien, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jackson Hastings, Tyler Dupree, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers. Yet during his time with the Reds, Salford have regularly competed at the right end of the table, making two major finals despite being one of the lowest-spending clubs in the competition.
According to a club statement, the Sporting Director "will oversee the Rugby League operation, providing leadership for the coaching and playing staff in line with the club’s strategy and vision, management of salary cap compliance, player and staff recruitment and retention, and the youth development and medical departments."
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