Danny McGuire’s club confirmed for 2023

Hull KR have announced that Tony Smith down as Head Coach for the remainder of the season. 

Danny McGuire will take charge of all first team matters until Willie Peters arrives in the Autumn.

McGuire will be assistant coach to Peters, having recently signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Robins until the end of 2025.

The club said: “We would like to take the opportunity to thank Tony for all his hard work over the last three years. The Club are in a much better place than when he started.”

Smith was already set to leave Craven Park at the end of the season, but now the decision has been taken to cut ties midway through the year.

His announcement back in May shocked the rugby league fraternity with the former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves boss enjoying a stellar spell at Craven Park.

But, Smith was adamant that he still has the support of his Rovers players and that if he didn’t then he would not be at the club as it stands.

“I asked the players if they were on board, I let them know if I’m not the right coach for them then they should let me know,” Smith said at the time.

“I’ve done that for three and a half years – I’m only of use to the players if they tell me I am.

“I have a good relationship with them and I’m only a good coach if the players let me know I am.

“I find it surprising that people think that is unusual at this point in time.”

However, following a dismal 28-6 loss to Toulouse Olympique at the weekend, Rovers have taken the decision to part ways immediately.

It brings an end to an incredible tenure, with Smith responsible for taking the Robins from basement dwellers to play-off contenders in just two seasons, reaching the play-off semi-finals in 2021.

It is good news for KR fans about McGuire, though, whose impact has been clearly felt since making the move to Craven Park ahead of the 2018 Super League season.