Rohan Smith leaves Leeds with Super League strugglers Rhinos

Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has left the club by mutual consent after a poor start to the Super League season.

The decision comes four days after the Rhinos’ 18-10 defeat by second-bottom Hull, their seventh defeat of the campaign.

Leeds appointed Smith in April 2022 and the Australian led them to the Grand Final later that year, losing 24-12 to St Helens at Old Trafford.

However, the Rhinos failed to make the play-offs for the first time in four years in 2023 and currently sit seventh this term.

Leeds welcome Leigh to Headingley on Friday and assistant coaches Chev Walker and Scott Grix will now take charge of the side as they begin their search for a new head coach.

Smith admitted he did not want any coaching speculation surrounding Friday’s game, where the Rhinos will celebrate the life of Rob Burrow, who lost his battle with motor neurone disease earlier this month.

He told the club’s official website: “We’ve always said it’s a long-term project to establish a team that can have lasting success and I believe we’ve put together a list that can continue to push for a 2024 place.” play-offs, supporters can get behind the boys and support them.

“Friday will be a special night for the club and we wanted to remove the current speculation and distractions about the manager. 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 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 club’s future successes and wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”

Sporting director Ian Blease arrived at the club last Monday and said he would not “rush” into any decisions, but defeat to lowly Hull, who had previously won just once all season, increased the pressure on Smith.

Blease said: “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 the players can fully focus on their performances, starting on Friday against Leigh.

“My review of our rugby operation is ongoing and clearly the scope of these recommendations will now have to widen with Rohan’s departure. That process now begins to appoint a new head coach who we believe will be talented and suitable to lead the club into a new era.

“Assistant coaches Chev Walker and Scott Grix will attend the last training session of the week on Thursday and will be in charge on Friday night against Leigh. Then we don’t have any games next week for the international break, so that will allow us to plan further into the future.”