Leeds Rhinos coach, Rohan Smith, has faced criticism numerous times this season. That peaked following Leeds’ narrow Super League win over strugglers Hull FC when sections of the travelling support chanted for Smith’s sacking.
However, a comfortable victory over London Broncos eased the pressure somewhat. Smith made the decision to pick Jack Sinfield, in place of the experienced Matt Frawley. The Rhinos looked more coherent in attack as a result.
Now, a former Leeds fan favourite has offered his opinion on Smith’s time in charge at Headingley.
Matt Adamson is still an avid Rhinos fan from afar, having represented the club between 2002 and 2004. He ended his time at the club with a Grand Final ring as Leeds beat Bradford at Old Trafford.
Adamson is not following the narrative around Smith, believing the young Australian coach is on track to achieve success at the eight-time Super League champions, despite recent struggles.
Leeds Rhinos coach making progress
Credit: Imago Images
Speaking exclusively to Serious About Rugby League, former Rhinos forward Adamson gave his opinion on Smith’s performance as Leeds head coach. Adamson believes Smith will eventually be a success if Leeds stick with him.
“I think Rohan will take good care of ensuring performances improve as time progresses”, said Adamson. “There’s some key elements to that squad. There’s some key personnel [missing] in key positions.
“They’re still trying to find that balance at the moment. Rohan’s a very intelligent, smart, young, innovative coach. I tend to think that he’s doing a good job at the moment. He will continue to do a good job.”
Adamson would continue to argue that Rohan Smith has all the tools available on the provision that his squad can get luckier with injuries – the Rhinos having been plagued by them so far this season with the current crop of unavailable names including David Fusitu’a, Harry Newman, Brodie Croft, James Bentley and youngsters Morgan Gannon and Riley Lumb among others.
The former Rhino Adamson explained: “It’s a good squad, it’s a young squad, there’s some key personnel [missing], they’re probably just trying to get some combinations going, but they’ll be there come back end of the year.”
Leeds managed to do that in Rohan’s first campaign in charge when he took charge with the club sat 11th in the table before storming to the Grand Final, only to fall short against St Helens. Rhinos fans will be hopeful that something similar can happen this year, however, it is easy to forget that they only remain one win outside the playoffs.
“No greater fans” than Headingley faithful
Credit: Imago Images
Adamson went on to reminisce about his time at Headingley. He revealed his enduring love for the club’s fan base. He always wants the club to succeed, having enjoyed three years with the Rhinos.
“There’s no greater fans I think in the game than the Leeds Rhinos fans, I adore them and love them. I love the club, love Gary, I admire him, everyone knows that as I’ve spoken about that before in stories and different things.
“I always want that club to go well. I always want to see them succeed, I want to see them have success.”
Despite that love for the Rhinos, Adamson also shares a love for coaching and he explained that he’d be more than happy to take an opportunity in England at a team other than his beloved Leeds Rhinos.
To that point, he said: “Opportunities don’t always come but if another opportunity was to come, then I’d love the opportunity to give it a crack.”
