Leeds Rhinos probably won’t be signing any of the off-contract players being released by Parramatta Eels this year, says Brad Arthur.

Arthur had 10 years in charge of Parramatta until being dismissed in May, two months before he was appointed on an initial interim basis at Rhinos. The Eels have announced the departure of 11 players, including the Leeds boss’ son Matt Arthur, who is joining Newcastle Knights.

Props Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ofahiki Ogden and Makahesi Makatoa, half-backs Daejarn Asi and Ethan Sanders, Castleford Tigers-bound back Zac Cini, centres Morgan Harper and Blaize Talagi and wingers Isaac Lumelume and Lorenzo Mulitalo, have also been released. Rhinos have two overseas quota spots available with David Fusitu’a and Rhyse Martin leaving the club at the end of this season and have confirmed they are looking for an outside-back and front-rower.

Inevitably that has led to speculation Arthur could look to his old club to strengthen Leeds’ squad for next year, but asked at his weekly preview press conference today (Thursday) about a possible move for any of the Parramatta contingent, Arthur said: “No, I doubt it.”

Campbell-Gillard is the biggest name among the players leaving the Eels. He was expected to join St George-Illawarra, but reports in Australia suggest that move has fallen through.

Arthur – whose side visit Wigan Warriors tomorrow – admitted “it’d be nice” to have the Australia forward at Leeds, but stated: “I think he has got himself sorted. At some stage I think he’d like to try his hand in Super League; he has still got a bit of NRL left in him, but he’d certainly be a big asset to the game over here and any team that got hold of him. He’s a good footballer and a good person.”

Matt Arthur will be in Leeds this weekend, but only for a holiday. “He likes the warm weather and the beach, that’s why he’s going to Newcastle,” his father said of the 19-year-old hooker.

Rhinos have confirmed a single signing, winger Ryan Hall from Hull KR, for next year, but hope to have at least one more deal done by the end of the regular season. Arthur said: “[Sporting director Ian Blease] is all over it. He is trying to make sure we strengthen our roster for next year, but I haven’t taken my sights off what’s important, which is tomorrow. That’s all I am focusing on at the moment, the group of guys we’ve got and trying to get them to play to the best they can.”

Leeds Rhinos last week announced four other departures alongside Fusitu’a and Martin, with Luis Roberts, James Donaldson and Corey Johnson leaving when their contract finishes this autumn and Kieran Hudson being released from the final year of his deal. Asked if other contracted players could also move on, Arthur said: “We’ve got a few spots available so we need to look to add to those spots first and from there we’ll reassess again and see.

“Any and every decision we make will be what’s best for the club moving forward. I’ve left that with Ian at the moment, because my full attention is on what’s happening right now and the guys who have given their all and are working their butts off for this club.”