Rohan Smith has revealed how conversations with his uncle Tony helped convince him he was the right man to become the new Leeds Rhinos coach and try transform the club's ailing fortunes, but has played down talk they will be reuniting together at Headingley in 2023. The 40-year-old was announced as Richard Agar's successor on Wednesday, with the former Bradford boss given the sizeable task of helping guide the Rhinos away from the Super League relegation zone.
Smith was chosen after what Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington described as an 'exhaustive' process to find the club's next head coach. However, he revealed he also conducted his own due-diligence on the size of the task awaiting him in West Yorkshire, with extensive conversations with the current Hull KR coach as well as Chev Walker, a former ally of Smith's during his time in charge of Bradford Bulls.
And those conversations helped assure him it was the right role for him. "I actually had a few messages with Tony during the time of the process," Smith said on Thursday. "I already knew a big factor about the perception of the club from outside is that it's well-resourced, well-managed and everything is in place really.
Read more: Everything Gary Hetherington said on Rohan Smith's appointment as Leeds Rhinos head coach
"I asked Tony if there was any reason not to pursue the job and he said definitely not. I've kept in close contact with Chev Walker over my time with Bradford and I've got a deep trust in Chev and what he says is the truth. He's spoken well of the club so with his feelings. My manager did his due-diligence too so everything turned out to be perfect."
Smith will not arrive in the country in time for Friday's huge clash with Toulouse, with Jamie Jones-Buchanan remaining in interim charge. However, the new Leeds coach stressed he will not interfere in preparations for that game after having a meeting with the Rhinos' coaching staff earlier on Thursday.
"I don't think that's the right thing to do," he said. "I've made contact with a few of the staff members and had a brief chat earlier today with Jamie. That went well, and we got the ball rolling. We actually played a bit of rugby back at Stanningley together when we were teenagers so we do know each other."
Smith also confirmed he plans to make no changes to Leeds' coaching staff in the immediate term - and shot down speculation his uncle could join him at Headingley in a senior role next year after his own appointment was confirmed on the same day Tony announced he was leaving Hull KR at the end of the current season.
When asked if conversations had taken place, Smith said: "Certainly not with me. Tony and I have regular texts about life and footy and I'm looking forward to spending time with my uncle but I haven't spent a lot of time with him. He's been a guiding influence and helped me get my first start at London with Tony Rea but I haven't spent a lot of time with him, which I'm excited to do. At this stage though it's as an uncle, not as a colleague."
