Why Hull KR fans deserve better after Tony Smith fails to address Leeds Rhinos rumours

A virtual ever-present at press conferences during his time with Hull KR, Tony Smith was conspicuous by his absence when Wednesday's Zoom call went live.

Sat in his place was Stanley Gene for the first time since rejoining the club two years ago.

It is not unprecedented for the Rovers head coach to miss a press conference but such instances have been few and far between in his three years in charge. Danny McGuire stood in twice last year and David Hodgson faced the press during Smith's time in isolation with Covid.

Paul Cooke explains why Hull KR stay will be more appealing to Tony Smith than Leeds Rhinos return

Super League's most experienced coach, Smith has never been one to shirk tough questions or difficult situations. But he took the decision to skip this week's press conference amid ongoing speculation over a potential return to Leeds Rhinos following Richard Agar's departure on Monday.

Smith had the perfect opportunity to put the rumours to bed but for whatever reason he decided to stay quiet on the subject. It is important to stress at this stage that the link is based on conjecture, the social media kind as well as the 'contenders' stories that go hand in hand with any vacancy.

The pieces certainly fit together, if you want them to. Smith guided the Rhinos to their first title in 32 years, effectively kicking off the club's golden era playing the kind of exhilarating rugby the fans have been longing for ever since.

At the heart of Leeds' success was Danny McGuire, a homegrown lad who bled blue and amber. Conduct a straw poll and a high percentage of Rhinos supporters would view Smith and McGuire as the perfect combination to revive the club's fortunes. What is more, both Smith and McGuire are out of contract