Cameron Smith says Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s “simplified” coaching style has been a polar opposite to that of “anorak” Richard Agar as Leeds Rhinos bid to kickstart their campaign tomorrow. Leeds host Castleford Tigers in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup with both teams desperate for victory after disastrous starts in Super League.
The fierce West Yorkshire rivals have both lost five of their opening six games and defeat for either side could potentially end their hopes of silverware this season.
Agar stepped down earlier this week after admitting his methods were no longer working, with assistant coach Jones-Buchanan placed in interim charge.
The legendary former player’s approach has been altogether different to Agar’s style according to back-rower Smith, who is set to face his elder brother Daniel in tomorrow’s crunch showdown.
Leeds star Smith, 23, told Rugby League Live: “Each coach brings a different twist to the team and Rich is completely the opposite to Jonesy. That’s in terms Rich being a rugby league anorak whereas Jonesy has really simplified things in effort-based areas, such as out-enthusing the opposition and doing everything with intent.
“Rich would also implement that into our game but he’s probably more on the brains side of things. In terms of their own coaching styles, I think they are both good in what they bring.”
Smith said he was grateful to Agar’s influence on his career during the past three years. Agar took over at Headingley following the sacking of Dave Furner in May 2019 and guided the club to Challenge Cup glory in 2020 before taking them to the play-off semi-finals last term.
Smith added: “When Rich came in, I wasn’t playing the role that I wanted to fulfil for the club. I wasn’t able to express myself with the ball and Rich really brought that side of my game on. He encouraged me to play and try different things that you don’t see middles do in Super League very often in terms of being that extra ball-playing forward in the middle of the field.
“Before then, I was just seen as an up and down player and didn’t really get promoted to pass the ball. Rich’s style really complemented the way I want to play and that was probably the biggest thing he did for me.
"We are still good friends and had a good bond. If he felt that stepping down was the right thing to do then obviously he’s got to look after himself. If it was affecting his personal life, then he showed real humility to make that decision.”
Tomorrow’s game has taken on huge importance for both teams following their dismal starts to the season. Smith admitted: “I think it’s pretty significant for both teams and will be a turning point in the season for whoever wins."
“Then you add in the rivalry between the teams and it makes it even bigger. I grew up in Castleford and every time Leeds play Cas all their fans are always desperate to get the win over us.
“It goes back over many years and I think this weekend’s game has even more significance because a victory could have a snowball effect and really kickstart our season.”
Facing elder sibling Daniel is not a new experience for Smith, but the fact that the game is a Challenge Cup and televised live on the BBC has given the occasion added spice.
“It’s always a very proud day,” said Smith. "We have grown up wanting to be professional rugby league players and he’s almost been like a role model for me in terms of me wanting to play the game.
“The reason I started playing was because I used to go and watch Daniel. My mum is extremely nervous because she doesn’t like us going up against each other. That aside, she’s immensely proud and it’s such a special thing that we get to share the same stage in such a significant game.”
