Smith has left Leeds Rhinos after two years in charge at Headingley.
Rohan Smith believes Leeds Rhinos' squad can achieve "great things" following his departure from the club. Smith has departed with immediate effect via mutual consent after just over two years in charge.
Smith departs following the club's dismal defeat to Hull FC, a loss that has left them outside the play-offs at the midway point of the season. After a remarkable start to his tenure in which the Rhinos stormed to the Grand Final, Leeds missed out on the top six last year and have flattered to deceive during a 2024 campaign that had started with an extensive recruitment drive.
Despite that, Smith insists he still has belief in the playing group that they can make the play-offs.
In a statement issued by the club, Smith spoke for the first time since his departure, insisting that speculation surrounding his future had become a distraction before Friday night's game, which will be used to celebrate Rob's life.
Smith said: “I had always stated that it was a long term project to establish a team that will be able to have sustainable success, and I believe that we have assembled a roster that can continue to push for a 2024 playoff spot, the supporters can get behind the boys and give them their support.
“Friday will be a special night for the club and we wanted to remove the ongoing coaching speculation and distraction. Celebrating Rob’s life, the great work done by the club and Kev for the MND community and playing well is the focus for Friday. I believe this team can still achieve great things and I am proud of the work that the coaching team have done to develop players, especially the next generations.
Unfortunately, I will not be Head Coach to see this development continue but I look forward to watching the clubs future successes and wish everyone at the club all the best for the future."
Assistant coaches Chev Walker and Scott Grix have been placed in temporary charge ahead of Friday's game with Leigh Leopards.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... h-29385387
Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
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josie andrews
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Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
Re: Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
No surprise at all he simply wasn’t up to the task but Leeds need to choose someone and stick with him can’t keep chopping and changing all the time
The artist formally known as fozziekskem
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Charriots Offiah
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Re: Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
Leeds fans should be firmly putting the blame at Hetherington’s door.
Re: Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
Pretty much expected.
The team he built was good enough
The team he built was good enough
Re: Rohan Smith's first words after Leeds Rhinos exit with player belief clear
Agree with that. I think he is holding Leeds back. Haven't Leeds got a new Board of Directors?Charriots Offiah wrote: ↑Wed Jun 19, 2024 11:19 pm Leeds fans should be firmly putting the blame at Hetherington’s door.