Tony Smith addresses Leeds Rhinos speculation as he reacts to Challenge Cup draw

Tony Smith says his focus is on his job at Hull KR amid speculation linking him with a return to Leeds Rhinos.

The Rovers boss is among the favourites for the head coach role at Headingley after Richard Agar stood down at the start of this week.

Smith is out of contract at the end of the year and has history with Leeds having led the West Yorkshire club to two Super League titles between 2004 and 2007.

But he reiterated the message that he is in no rush to resolve his long-term future.

"I'm coach here and I'm focused on coaching here," he said.

"My job is to prepare my team and get them ready for each and every game. That's what I do.

"I don't owe anybody or have to please my supporters by telling them what I'm doing next year at the moment.

"I'm quite at ease not knowing what my future is. I've said that all along.

"All that future stuff will work itself out. What's going on at another club has nothing to do with us.

"I don't like it insinuated that it is having an effect on us. It's just not a topic.

"I haven't discussed my future with anybody and I'm not going to discuss it publicly until I discuss it privately, and it's usually with my boss at home!"

Smith was speaking after seeing his KR side survive a late scare to see off Leigh Centurions and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

The Robins have been paired with Castleford Tigers in the next round in a repeat of last year's epic tie at Craven Park but Smith was apathetic after the draw.

"I don't really care who we play or where it is," he said.

"Wherever it is and whoever it is, it doesn't really matter. We've got a game before that and we need to get ready.

"We'll focus on that for next week and then the focus on the next round of the cup