Jake Connor on the scheduling conflict: why the Leeds star hopes to be furious.

Scheduling Conflict for Jake Connor

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 30/08/2025 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 24 – Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos – MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England – Leeds’ Jake Connor is congratulated on his try against Hull FC.SWPIX.COM

According to The Sun: Jake Connor has expressed his outrage over the scheduling conflict that could lead to missing an important day.

This means that Leeds will be just one game away from the Grand Final.

Jake Connor hopes the scheduling conflict means Leeds is one step closer to Old TraffordSWPIX.COM

The star player of the Rhinos is also coaching the Sidlaw National Conference team, which has reached its Grand Final next Saturday.

However, he faces a dilemma: if Connor helps the club he plays for to win their match, he will miss the game against Hull KR on the way to Old Trafford.

“I noticed the date and I’m really angry about it,” Connor stated.

“I didn’t think it would turn out this way, but it is what it is. The guys at Sidlaw have done the job, and I hope they don’t need me.”

“I’ll watch the game on video, and I’ll probably have someone on the line to pass on messages.”

“Juggling playing and coaching is quite easy: Sidlaw trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Leeds hasn’t had many Saturday games this year.”

“I think I’ve missed three games this year due to being involved in a game. I’ve been there almost every time,” he emphasized.

“It might be four, but I hope they can win when I’m not there.”

Connor has had as successful a season as a coach as he has as a player. His performances as a junior semifinalist for Leeds have earned him a spot among the top three finalists for the Stephen Prescott MBE Man of the Year award.

Ask any Rhinos fan, and they’ll confirm that Connor is a key figure for the team. Without him, the team would look hopeless.

However, Connor himself expressed doubts after moving from Huddersfield, noting:

“My aim at the start of the season was probably to get into the starting lineup.”

Connor’s performances have earned him a place in the Super League dream team and among the top three finalists for the Stephen Prescott MBE awardSWPIX.COM

“During preseason, I worked hard in that position. I put in a lot of hard work and learned something new.”

“I managed to break through into the team, and things have gone up since then.”

“Looking back, the hard work paid off. It ignited a fire in me. I’m not here to prove anything to others, but I wanted to prove to Brad that I am the player I can be.”

“He’s helped me along the way and has been able to cement some aspects; I like the player I’ve become. I think I’m showing what I’m capable of.”

“I’ve always known this was inside me, and this season has turned out to be quite successful. There’s still some work to do, but for now, I’m enjoying this season.”

Connor can also look forward to a place in the England squadSWPIX.COM

Connor’s performances have also sparked discussions about the possibility of his call-up to the England squad, and another strong performance in the elimination match against St Helens will be another step toward attracting the attention of coach Shaun Wane.

Much of his improvement has been made possible by Brad Arthur, who is constantly striving to enhance the team.

“Sometimes a lot of people can just take their foot off the gas – he’s not like that,” noted the 30-year-old athlete.

“Not just for me. He always strives for everyone to get better. If you improve yourself, then the team benefits from that, and he has greatly improved everyone.”

Despite numerous challenges, Jake Connor is a key figure in Leeds Rhinos' story. His performances as both a player and coach demonstrate the possibilities of balancing a professional career in two roles simultaneously. Balancing playing and coaching amid competition adds additional complexities, but Connor’s experience clearly becomes his strong aspect. Given the complicated schedule and potential challenges, it will be worth watching how events unfold.