Jake Connor will combine his playing duties at Leeds Rhinos, with an exciting new head coaching role at Siddal ARLFC.
The National Conference League club recently confirmed his appointment via social media, with the Betfred Super League star and 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel ready to lead from the front and drive the West Yorkshire club into a big 2026.
Connor has been assistant coach at the Halifax-based club for a number of seasons, helping guide Siddal to back-to-back Grand Finals, as well as a League Leaders’ trophy.
It is a club close to his heart, having also took the field for them as a player in his younger years.
As the 2026 season fast approaches, Connor will be looking to create success with the Rhinos as a chief playmaker in Super League, as well as with Siddal as he steers their ship in the NCL.
And he is relishing the challenge ahead.
On his first senior role at Siddal, Connor said:
“I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to coach this great club.”
“I’ve done a few years of being an assistant and now I feel like I’m ready for the job and want to lead the boys to success in 2026.”
“We have everything we need, the foundations are built and we just need to deliver now as we have fallen short the past 2 years so I’m looking forward to what the boys can do next year.”
Connor will be joined alongside Gaz Blackburn as Assistant First Team Coach, as well as Russ Holroyd and Jason Greenwood who will continue to be key members of Siddal's backroom staff.
Club Chairman, Paul Hirst, said:
“We knew we had to move fast. This decision wasn’t just about filling a role - it was about protecting the identity and momentum of this club. Getting the right people through the door for this group of open age players was our top priority!
“We are confident this is the right appointment for the club. Jake and Gaz were our leading candidates from day one and exemplify the values that define Siddal. We are delighted that they have accepted the role of guiding the First Team and continuing the momentum built over the past two seasons. Their decision demonstrates the high level of commitment and belief in the club’s infrastructure and long-term vision.
“With the continued commitment of Russ and Jason, I really feel we have the right people to move us forward once more and build.
“We are really looking forward to working with Jake and Gaz.”
Photo Credit: Siddal ARLFC
