Tony Smith would prefer to stay in Super League but open to offers

Correspondent
Tony Smith Hull KR

Tony Smith says his preference would be to stay in Super League after he leaves Hull KR at the end of the season, but is open to offers from elsewhere.

The Australian will leave his role as head coach of Hull KR at the end of the season after four seasons in the job.

Smith is unlikely to be short of offers after carving out a 20-year career in the British game. He recently passed the impressive milestone of 500 Super League games.

Smith says he is open to offers about his career beyond this season and admits he would love to stay in Super League.

He said: “That would be the preference but not many opportunities arise.

“If not, I will have to look further afield, whether it’s France, the Championship or another sport. Maybe I’ll have to look around to see if there are any opportunities in rugby union.

“I’ll keep my options open. I still want to coach. I have got my mojo back so I’ll have to see what arises.

“There is nothing on the horizon and, if there’s any interest out there, I’d love to get a call.

“In the meantime, I’ve got a lot to focus on.”

The 55-year-old is fully focused on preparing the Robins for their Challenge Cup semi-final against Huddersfield at Elland Road on Saturday.

Smith remains fully committed to the club despite his surprising announcement in April by announcing he would not be renewing his contact, which expires at the end of the season.

Smith has enjoyed successful coaching spells at Huddersfield, Leeds, Warrington and now Hull KR. He helped the Rhinos win two Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge in his four-year stint.

At Warrington, he led the Wolves to three Challenge Cups and three appearances in the Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Smith coached England at the 2008 World Cup and was in charge of Great Britain up to 2009. He guided Hull KR to the semi-finals of the Super League play-offs last season.

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