Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington defends decision to appoint Rohan Smith

Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington has told critics of new head coach Rohan Smith: “We don’t need a big name.”

The Australian, 40, was announced as the club’s new chief on Wednesday after an “exhaustive” selection process. With the eight-times Super League champions just one point above the relegation spot, and given the size of the club, fans had expected a major appointment.

Smith has worked at various NRL clubs as an assistant including Brisbane Broncos where last season he led their feeder side Norths Devils to the Queensland Cup. But he has little experience in a major job aside from a stint with financially-troubled Bradford in 2016.

Smith - son of ex-Bradford boss Brian and nephew of Hull KR chief Tony - has signed a three-and-a-half year contract. He could be in the UK in time for next Friday’s home game against KR.

Asked about the lack of a big name appointment, Hetherington retorted: “Big names? What’s a big name?

“Big names, big reputations, they don’t count for a great deal in truth. You have to assess who’s the best candidate for that job. When we appointed Graham Murray we had the same sort of criticism.

“But Graham did an outstanding job. So did Tony Smith. So did Brian McDermott who became the most successful Super League coach in history. At the time, he wasn’t actually welcomed as an inspirational appointment but proved to be an outstanding one.

“It’s not a public opinion contest. You have to make a judgement and I believe the one we’ve made on this one is spot on. Rohan is an outstanding candidate. I’m satisfied he ticks all the boxes.”

Asked if had any concerns with a coach of Smith’s experience, Hetherington insisted: “No concern at all. He's ambitious, has been very successful and is committed