Tony Smith open to pursuing new coaching opportunities outside of rugby league

Hull KR boss Tony Smith says he is open to new coaching opportunities outside of rugby league.

Smith, 55, announced that he will leave Craven Park upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

The Australian former player recently celebrated his 500th Super League game as a coach. His side claimed a 28-24 win in France over Toulouse for the milestone. 

Smith has admitted no clubs have been in contact just yet – but he is open to explore opportunities in other sports as well as rugby league.

Tony Smith on coaching opportunities

Asked about where he sees himself in the future, Smith told Love Rugby League: “I fell in love with coaching again. Who knows?

“As I said, it doesn’t really bother me what level; just coaching. Whether it’s in rugby league or any other sport as well, I’m not sure. I’ve thought about that since I’ve been back in coaching. It’s coaching that I enjoy.

“It’s creating a culture that can be successful within a club. I think I’m pretty strong on those areas. I’m not sure it necessarily has to be in my sport. There’s all forms of coaching. But it is helping people to improve and setting new challenges and understanding people and what makes them tick. 

“I think it’s adaptable to other sports possibly. Does it necessarily have to be in rugby league? No. Would I like it to be in rugby league? Probably, because that’s the area I’m most expertise, but all those things will work out. I’m not too phased about it at this stage.”

Smith denies Leeds link

Smith admitted he hadn’t been contacted by any clubs for 2023 and beyond since his announcement. However, he denied any stories linking him with a role at Leeds, with nephew Rohan Smith set to take charge at Headingley Stadium.

Smith continued: “It doesn’t necessarily mean I have to be head coach. And before we go down there, I’m not going to Leeds and not director of rugby at Leeds with Rohan. He’s his own man and doing his own stuff. 

“But could I help other coaches in other sports develop some of what I’ve been able to develop here? I think so.

“I’ve coached coaches in other sports. Coaching doesn’t just mean having a team, there’s other ways you could coach. I’ll look at all those options wherever they happen to present themselves.”

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