James Lowes was part of England's Four Nations coaching team

Leeds Rhinos will make further announcements on their backroom staff within the next week, chief executive Gary Hetherington has revealed.

Former Leeds favourite James Lowes has already been appointed assistant coach to Brian McDermott, but more new names are now expected to follow.

Hetherington told BBC Radio Leeds: "We have a few more announcements to make. that will be in the next week or so.

"We have some other roles still to fill and we need to confirm them."

Assistants Willie Poching, who has joined Warrington, Francis Cummins, who is now at Bradford, and coach Alex Groves all left Headingley at the end of last season and still need replacing.

Leeds lost head coach Brian McClennan in October when he decided to return to New Zealand.

McDermott immediately took over and, with Lowes now on board, Hetherington is delighted with the smooth transition.

"I'm very pleased with it," he said. "There have been a number of changes and, in many ways, we've totally started again with our coaching team, which wasn't necessarily the plan at the outset but that's how it's ended up.

"It all happened very quickly really. When I left for Australia for the Four Nations, Brian was set to meet anyone and everyone that was interested in joining our coaching staff and I would source the market in Australia and New Zealand.

"But Brian had really decided after meeting James on a couple of occasions that he was the man that fitted the bill.

"James was very keen to join us and we were very keen to have him, so we didn't bother with the short list and it all happened very quickly.

"I think it helps if the people come in here have an awareness of the culture and environment and the expectations that come with working at Leeds Rhinos."

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