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.
