Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington has told critics of new head coach Rohan Smith: “We don’t need a big name.”
The Australian, 40, was announced as the club’s new chief on Wednesday after an “exhaustive” selection process. With the eight-times Super League champions just one point above the relegation spot, and given the size of the club, fans had expected a major appointment.
Smith has worked at various NRL clubs as an assistant including Brisbane Broncos where last season he led their feeder side Norths Devils to the Queensland Cup. But he has little experience in a major job aside from a stint with financially-troubled Bradford in 2016.
Smith - son of ex-Bradford boss Brian and nephew of Hull KR chief Tony - has signed a three-and-a-half year contract. He could be in the UK in time for next Friday’s home game against KR.
Asked about the lack of a big name appointment, Hetherington retorted: “Big names? What’s a big name?
“Big names, big reputations, they don’t count for a great deal in truth. You have to assess who’s the best candidate for that job. When we appointed Graham Murray we had the same sort of criticism.
“But Graham did an outstanding job. So did Tony Smith. So did Brian McDermott who became the most successful Super League coach in history. At the time, he wasn’t actually welcomed as an inspirational appointment but proved to be an outstanding one.
“It’s not a public opinion contest. You have to make a judgement and I believe the one we’ve made on this one is spot on. Rohan is an outstanding candidate. I’m satisfied he ticks all the boxes.”
Asked if had any concerns with a coach of Smith’s experience, Hetherington insisted: “No concern at all. He's ambitious, has been very successful and is committed with a passion for the game.
"We see him as an integral part of our club for many years to come. It's very much a long-term appointment; he'll be here to build and guide our team building. He will be the perfect mentor of those players and in terms of what we're looking for, and at this juncture, I believe Rohan Smith is a perfect candidate.”
Hetherington said Rhinos had a shortlist of “about eight” potential coaches from Australia and in England before deciding on their man. He explained: "It was a very strong pool with some outstanding candidates.
“But we believe in Rohan Smith we have an outstanding coach but also someone with experience of running a rugby operation, which is what you need at this level. For people who know about coaching he comes with the very highest of recommendations.”
The CEO stated interim head coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan would stay in charge for the games against Toulouse and KR before reverting to his position of assistant coach.
Smith said: “I am excited about the opportunity and really looking forward to getting back to the UK.
“The opportunity to be a Head Coach in Super League is something I have always aspired to do and especially with a club with such a rich history in the game and a proud tradition of developing talent through their Academy.
“As a development-minded coach, when I look back on my career, the clubs that I have enjoyed working at most are those who develop their own and I know that is part of the Rhinos way. One of the best things about rugby league is the relationship you build with your players and I am looking forward to reconnecting with a number of guys I have worked with previously who are now at the Rhinos, but also I am excited about meeting and working with everyone else as well.
“I love coaching and helping players, young and old, to get better. “As a coach you want to help them in their journey in their footy and in life and I am really looking forward to getting over to Leeds and starting to work with the guys.”
Less than a couple of hours before Leeds’ announcement, Tony Smith made his own shock revelation that he will be leaving Hull KR at the end of the season.
That immediately brought speculation that the 55-year-old could be heading back to Headingley - where he won the Super League title in 2004 and 2007 - in some sort of director of football role.
However, Hetherington said he was as surprised as anyone when hearing the news and expects the Australian to continue coaching - which remains his genuine passion. Leeds’ current backroom staff will remain in place once Rohan Smith arrives and - with ten players out of action this week - the club remains in the search for potential loan signings.
