Rohan Smith reacts to Leeds Rhinos’ appointment of Ian Blease

VaselineJune 15, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Rohan Smith reacts to Leeds Rhinos’ appointment of Ian Blease

Rohan Smith has spoken for the first time since the appointment of new Leeds Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease, with a host of fans speculating that Blease’s arrival could spell Smith’s exit.

Smith has come under immense pressure from Rhinos fans of late, with chants of “We want Rohan out” heard at numerous games, the first being this week’s win over opponents Hull FC in April.

Despite this, the Aussie has remained calm about it and dismissed the suggestion that he is under pressure, however, for many fans and pundits, that pressure has increased following the appointment of Ian Blease.

Former Leeds Rhinos man Blake Austin posted on his social media that it was easy to put “two and two together” as he tipped Paul Rowley after Blease at Headingley to create what Austin called “Salford Rhinos Uniting”.

At Blease’s announcement on Monday, he made no comment on Paul Rowley and spoke positively of Rohan Smith, and now the manager has had his say on the sporting director.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds Rhinos players?

Rohan Smith ‘fully supports’ the appointment of Ian Blease at Leeds Rhinos

Credit: Imago Images

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s match between Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC, Rohan Smith confirmed he “fully supports” the appointment of Ian Blease and revealed a previous link with the former Salford man.

“First of all, yes, I fully support the appointment,” Smith told BBC West Yorkshire Sport.

He continued: “I met Ian when I was a very young coach. I was on the other side of some teams that Ian was involved in and then Ian as a player agent there for a while while I was at Bradford, we had a few chats and spent a bit of time together.

“We don’t know each other well, but there is a respect and we look forward to working together. We had an impromptu discussion on Monday in and among the media and were introduced to the venue and such.

“We’ll be looking to get the ball rolling on Monday when it officially kicks off.”

Smith also spoke about Rhyse Martin’s emerging situation, with the Papua New Guinea international subject to a bid from Leigh Leopards, according to Rugby League Live.

“We want to keep Rhyse,” was Smith’s blunt assessment as he confirmed the club had offered Martin a new deal, suggesting it would be one of the first pieces of business Blease would begin when he officially starts on Monday.

VaselineJune 15, 2024

0 2 minutes read

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds Rhinos players?

Rohan Smith ‘fully supports’ the appointment of Ian Blease at Leeds Rhinos

Vaseline

Related Articles

Biden to address helpline wait times in pro-consumer push By Reuters

Starbucks could be back on a growth path

A Recession “Countdown” Just Triggered

Did AGT just find its next winning dance crew? Watch Brent Street wow the judges in Week 4