Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith is using Sir Alex Ferguson to inspire his team ahead of the 2023 campaign. The Rhinos just missed out on the Super League title in 2022, after losing to St Helens in the final at Old Trafford.
Head coach Smith is keen to the right the wrongs of their recent finale defeat heading into the new campaign, and is out to go one better than his team's recent finish. To help him do that he has used the inspiration of footballing icon Ferguson.
The Scot is arguably the greatest football manager of all time, having guided Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles, three Champions League crowns and five FA Cups.
And Smith is hoping his expertise from the football field can transpire into his team out on the rugby pitch. Per The Sun , he said: "I’ve listened to one of Sir Alex's books and read one.
“One of the things that has stuck with me is a comment he made, ‘If it’s important enough to speak about, you’ll remember it'. I’ve never been one for taking down notes during games or writing down things in speech format.
"What comes from my heart and my head at the time is what must be most important. I remember reading that in one of Sir Alex’s books. I already felt like that but it re-enforced my beliefs.
“And when you hear of some of the greatest coaches in history doing things a certain way and you believe in a similar theme, it gives you confidence. I’ve checked out other sports and spoken to other coaches. If someone told me there was a good coach somewhere, I’d try and find out if they had a book and check it out.
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“I’d either pick up some things from them or it would reaffirm some of my own thoughts.” The Rhinos were left heartbroken at Ferguson's old stomping ground Old Trafford following their 24-12 loss to Saints back in September.
With the inspiration of the great manager, Smith and his team's focus will now of course turn to the upcoming 2023 campaign. As a result the Rhinos will kick off their season with a clash against old rivals Warrington Wolves on February 16.
