Tony Smith backing nephew Rohan for success at Leeds Rhinos

Josh McAllister
Tony Smith Rohan Smith Leeds Rhinos

Hull KR boss Tony Smith trusts his nephew Rohan will have a successful time at Leeds Rhinos.

40-year-old Smith completed Leeds’ long search for a new head coach earlier last week. He arrives at Headingley Stadium on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The former Bradford coach is expected to land in England next Tuesday. Jamie Jones-Buchanan will remain as interim head coach for their clash with Hull KR on Friday in Super League.

Smith, the son of former Hull and Bradford coach Brian Smith, joins Leeds from reigning Queensland Cup Champions Norths Devils.

He follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Tony, who coached Leeds between 2004 and 2007. He guided them to their first Championship in 32 years in 2004. Smith won two Super League Grand Finals with the Rhinos, and the 2005 World Club Challenge against Canterbury Bulldogs.

Leeds Rhinos have the right man insists Tony Smith

“I think he’s the right person for the job,” said Smith. “He’s his own man and developed his own style. 

“He’ll find his own way there and his knowledge of the game is exceptional and his development of young players is exceptional. 

“He’ll work out what’s required for that organisation. He needs to come in and look and see and he’ll do all those things.

“He’ll stamp his own way on that I’m sure. It was a necessary to have the right appointment and I think they do have it right. I think he’ll go on and have a long and successful career.

“I think they’ve chosen the right person and he’ll do really well.”


More on Leeds Rhinos

Podcast: Brad Singleton on working under Matt Peet, Leeds Rhinos and the power of positivity

Everything Rohan Smith said in his first Leeds Rhinos press conference

Everything Gary Hetherington had to say on new Leeds head coach


PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022