Leeds Rhinos: New coach Rohan Smith a 'great appointment' says Hull KR boss Tony Smith

By Peter Smith
Published 21st Apr 2022, 16:45 BST
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Two-time Super League champion Tony Smith says Leeds Rhinos are on to a winner after appointing his nephew, Rohan Smith, as their new head-coach

Tony Smith coached Rhinos from 2004-2007, winning the Super League title in his first and final seasons at the club.

He knows what it takes to be successful at Leeds and reckons Rohan is a “great appointment” by his former side.

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The Hull KR coach, who this week revealed he will be stepping down from that role at the end of the season, said: “I’ve recommended him for a couple of jobs in the past.

Rohan Smith: Picture Leeds RhinosRohan Smith: Picture Leeds Rhinos
Rohan Smith: Picture Leeds Rhinos

“I didn’t this time because I wasn’t asked but, if I had been, I absolutely would have recommended him.

“He is a really knowledgeable coach and always has been about rugby league. He knows players everywhere; rarely do I make a signing without referring the name to Rohan and getting an opinion.

“I do regard his opinion highly and he is also very good with people.

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“I have got a number of players here who were coached by him at Bradford and they speak highly of him, they really enjoyed him as a coach.

Coach Tony Smith and captain Kevin Sinfield celebrate Rhinos' 2007 Grand Final win. Smith's nephew Rohan will coach Sinfield's son Jack at Leeds this year. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Coach Tony Smith and captain Kevin Sinfield celebrate Rhinos' 2007 Grand Final win. Smith's nephew Rohan will coach Sinfield's son Jack at Leeds this year. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Coach Tony Smith and captain Kevin Sinfield celebrate Rhinos' 2007 Grand Final win. Smith's nephew Rohan will coach Sinfield's son Jack at Leeds this year. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“I think that’s probably the best accolade you can get, when players believe somebody’s a good coach that’s what it’s all about - they are the ones who really know.”

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Rhinos will go bottom of the table if they lose this evening and Tony Smith said: “I hope he gets given a chance to rebuild there. From the outside looking in - and I am no expert [on what’s happening] there - they have got some really good talent coming through, but it’s not going to be an overnight fix.

“Nor is many jobs when you get a new coach; it usually means a club’s not in a great position, unless a St Helens coach gets appointed by an NRL club, for instance.

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Rohan Smith's father Brian Smith had a spell as coach of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Rohan Smith's father Brian Smith had a spell as coach of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Rohan Smith's father Brian Smith had a spell as coach of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“There’s few instances when a club isn’t in need of a rebuild when a new coach comes in. I am sure he has the right temperament and has the right knowledge for that job.”

The new boss boasts no experience as a head coach in Super League or the NRL, but has been an assistant in both competitions and had a season in charge at Bradford Bulls in the Championship six years ago.

Tony Smith said: “He has been around rugby league and big clubs all his life.