Rohan Smith: Leeds Rhinos manager resigns with immediate effect ahead of Super League clash with Leigh Leopards | Rugby League News

Rohan Smith has resigned as head coach of Leeds Rhinos with immediate effect ahead of Friday’s game with Leigh Leopards.

Smith joined the Rhinos in April 2022 and led the club to the Super League Grand Final in his first year after initially agreeing a deal until the end of the 2025 season.

However, Leeds missed out on the play-offs last season and lost their seventh game of the campaign in an 18-10 defeat at Hull FC on Saturday.

They are currently four points outside the play-off positions and face Leigh on Friday at 8pm live Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.

“We’ve always said it’s been a long-term project to establish a team that can have lasting success and I think we’ve put together a roster that can continue to push for a playoff spot in 2024, the fans can get behind the guys and deliver their support,” Smith said.

Leeds’ game against Leigh on Friday will be their first at home since Rob Burrow died aged 41.

Burrow won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies and three World Club Challenges at Leeds, while also representing England and Great Britain at international level.

“Friday is going to be a special night for the club and we wanted to eliminate ongoing coaching speculation and distractions,” Smith continued.

“Celebrating Rob’s life, the great work the club and Kev (former long-serving captain Kevin Sinfield) have done for the MND community and playing well is the focus for Friday.

“I think this team can still achieve great things and I’m proud of the work the coaching staff 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.”

Leeds assistant managers Chev Walker and Scott Grix will be in charge on Friday night, with the club using the upcoming international break to decide who will be the new head coach.

“It’s always disappointing to lose a head coach, especially someone like Rohan who has done so much good work behind the scenes since his arrival two years ago,” Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said.

“At that point we were sitting at the foot of the table but he reinvigorated us to go into the Grand Final in incredible form. However, it’s fair to say that the Rhinos’ results and performances this season haven’t satisfied us all. expectations to get us back to where we want to be.

“The board has a long-term strategy for where we want the club to be in the future, which began with the appointment of Ian Blease as our first sporting director. Ian is now carefully considering our options going forward before making his recommendations to the board. .”

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Blease added: “Although I have only recently arrived at the club, I have seen from my meetings with the staff and rugby players how well respected Rohan is. We need to manage this change carefully so that players can fully focus on their performances from now on. Friday against Leigh.”

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