Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith is hoping to tap into Jesse Marsch for ideas after meeting the Leeds United boss at a Rugby League World Cup promotional event. Smith was introduced to the American at United’s Thorp Arch training ground on Friday and then attended yesterday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa at Elland Road with Ash Handley and Mikolaj Oledzki.
Their visit to the match – a goalless draw which saw Marsch serve a one-match touchline ban following his recent dismissal at Brentford – was also to promote the forthcoming World Cup and Smith admitted he loved the experience.
He told Rugby League Live: “Meeting Jesse on Friday was only an introduction and wasn’t a formal, sit-down meeting or anything like that – it was to promote the Rugby League World Cup. We exchanged pleasantries and had a quick chat, so that’s all it was at this stage, but we’ll hopefully spend some time together at some point.
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“He’s very high-energy, well presented and looks like the type of person and manager that players would love to be around. You hope to aspire to be like that yourself. I love to be able to pick the brains of a well-travelled, well-credentialed people within sport and business.
“As a young head coach, I think it’s vital to look for best practice and new ideas all the time. I feel like I’ve got to try and reinvent myself on a daily basis. It’s not like I’m starting afresh as I’ve got experience, but I’m always keen to see how things get done in other places, reflect on how I do it myself and see how we can do things better.
“That’s something I value highly. When I was in Australia, I went to cricket, AFL, basketball, A-League soccer as well as bumping into NRL franchises. I think studying other sports, and industries, is something you have to do as a coach. It’s what you need to do to stay fresh and to get better, I guess.”
Smith was enthralled by the atmosphere at Elland Road on Sunday during a stormy encounter against Steven Gerrard’s Villa, but it was not a new experience for the Headingley boss.
“It was awesome to see that passion and fierce support that Leeds United fans have for their club,” said 41-year-old Smith.
“It was nice to see a few Rhinos fans there as well, and I remember going to games there in the 1990s, so I know what a force and what a presence the Leeds United supporters are at Elland Road.
“I do love the Premier League as a competition and I look forward to following the journey of Leeds United during my time in the city.”
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