Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the appointment of Rohan Smith as their new head coach with immediate effect. The former Bradford Bulls coach is the man the Rhinos have identified to become Richard Agar's successor after a lengthy search on both sides of the world.
Smith, the nephew of former Leeds coach and current Hull KR boss Tony, joins the Rhinos from Australian side Norths Devils. Under his leadership, Norths won the Queensland Cup and Smith has also worked on the coaching staff of a number of NRL clubs after he returned Down Under following a spell in charge of the Bulls.
Smith took charge of Bradford just before the club were liquidated, ultimately ending his time in England. But he is now back in West Yorkshire after accepting the challenge of revitalising the Rhinos, who are languishing at the bottom of Super League after a start to the season which has seen them win just one of their first ten games in all competitions.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos forced into changes ahead of Toulouse Olympique clash
“I am excited about the opportunity and really looking forward to getting back to the UK," Smith said. "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."
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington described Smith as one of the 'most exciting young coaches in the game', saying: "Rohan Smith is highly regarded both here in England and Australia and is someone who is passionate about coaching and most importantly for us, excited about developing our players and a winning culture and environment.
“I would like to thank Norths Devils and Brisbane Broncos in allowing us to speak to Rohan about our vacancy. I know both clubs rate Rohan extremely highly, not just because of his coaching philosophies, but how he has transferred that into a winning team at the Devils.
"At the outset I stated this was one of the most important appointments in our club’s history. I would like to thank all our supporters and partners for their patience during this period but it was vital that we spoke to all interested parties both here in England and overseas. Through that process, Rohan Smith was an outstanding candidate for the role and I am personally delighted to have agreed the deal to bring him to Headingley.
“Interestingly, Rohan is three years older than his uncle Tony when he became head coach of the Rhinos back in 2003 and I see many parallels in both their early coaching careers to this point. Rohan has vast experience having been part of various coaching teams over the last twenty years, working with people some of the biggest names in modern NRL coaching.
“Finally, on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Jamie Jones-Buchanan and the rest of the coaching staff for the outstanding job they have done in difficult circumstances in recent weeks.
"Jamie will remain in charge of preparations for the team for our next two games against Toulouse and Hull KR to give the side continuity and stability for two crucial games and we hope to have Rohan with us as soon as possible once the relevant paperwork has been completed."
