Family connection led to Rohan Smith landing Leeds role

Rohan Smith was encouraged to go for the position of Leeds head coach by his uncle Tony, the current Hull KR boss, but has no plans to lure him to Headingley.

The 40-year-old son of former Bradford and Wakefield coach Brian Smith was appointed as the successor to Richard Agar on the day Tony dropped his bombshell announcement that he would be leaving Rovers at the end of the season.

That prompted speculation that Smith senior, who guided Leeds to their first major trophy in 2004, could link up with his nephew for 2023 but Rohan dismissed the prospect during a press conference conduced via zoom from his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.

“Tony and I have regular texts about life and footy,” he said. “He’s been a guiding influence for me and helped me get my first start in England with London Broncos.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with him but at this stage it’s as an uncle and not as a colleague.”

Smith, who joins the Rhinos from reigning Queensland Cup champions Norths Devils, the feeder club to Brisbane Broncos, says he sought advice not only from his uncle but Leeds assistant coach Chev Walker as he weighed up his options.

“I asked Tony if there was any reason not to try to pursue that job and he said there was definitely no reason not to go for it,” he said.

“I’ve also kept in close contact with Chev Walker. I have a deep trust in Chev, he’s a great man.

“My manager did his due diligence on the club and everything turned out to be perfect.”

Smith’s only previous position as a head coach was with Bradford in the Championship in 2016 but he has worked with a host of NRL clubs and dismisses the notion that his lack of experience at the top level makes him a risky appointment.

“Everyone is entitled to their