The Leeds Rhinos boss was not threatened by the sporting director

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said the club hoped to make a meeting as soon as possible. Leeds are looking for a candidate with significant experience to fill this role. The new Sporting Director will work across both the men’s and women’s teams, leading the strategic direction of the club’s sporting operation.

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Leeds Rhinos coach welcomes new appointment

Credit: Imago Images

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Smith has now offered his thoughts on the impending Leeds appointment. Smith revealed it is something he has previously discussed with the club and it is an appointment he welcomes.

Now Smith has had his say on the club’s decision to appoint a new sporting director.

“I think it’s a great, great idea that there’s somebody who’s working on things that aren’t directly related to the field of training and who’s dealing with that as a kind of primary focus.” Smith said.

“I welcome things to get better, you know, that’s always what I strive to do and I love working as part of a team,” he added.

“I’ve made a lot of recommendations to Gary and the board since I’ve been here about things that aren’t specifically related to what happens on the training ground or on the pitch on game day.

“This is one of the things I fully support. I think in most clubs, the title may be different from sporting director, but there is someone who does that kind of role.”

Smith sees no threat from the incoming athletic director

Credit: Imago Images

Smith also stated that he felt threatened by the appointment. He believes the role is essential in an organization as big as Leeds Rhinos. Smith also confirmed that the Rhinos were looking for a candidate with significant experience to learn from.

“I think it’s a great appointment, a great decision by the council to look for a new appointment there. I think as an operation it’s only growing, Leeds Rhinos, so having more information and experience and the club have made it very clear that they’re going after someone who is very experienced and ready for a job like this.

“He’s not going to be a rookie, so he’s going to be somebody that I can get support from and learn from and support and work with on the operation.”

Leeds face a crucial game against Castleford Tigers at Headingley on Saturday afternoon. The match will be broadcast live on BBC2.