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Is ex-Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos boss Tony Smith heading for this Super League club?

Tony Smith’s tenure at Hull KR will be fondly remembered by most associated with the East Yorkshire outfit.

Smith had joined the Robins midway through 2019 after the departure of Tim Sheens, but finished second bottom in his first full season in 2020.

From there, however, the East Yorkshire side enjoyed a rapid rise up the Super League table, coming within 80 minutes of a Grand Final in 2021.

That being said, Smith’s decision to leave at the end of the season – which he announced in May – shocked everyone, including those at the club, with the former Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos boss speaking of potential opportunities.

“That would be the preference [to stay in Super League] but not many opportunities arise,” Smith said previously.

“If not, I will have to look further afield, whether it’s France, the Championship or another sport. Maybe I’ll have to look around to see if there are any opportunities in rugby union.

“I’ll keep my options open. I still want to coach. I have got my mojo back so I’ll have to see what arises. There is nothing on the horizon and, if there’s any interest out there, I’d love to get a call.”

At the time, there was considerable speculation that he would be heading for the Leeds Rhinos vacancy at Headingley following the departure of Richard Agar.

Those reports were rubbished by Smith himself as his nephew Rohan took the reins at the West Yorkshire club, with Tony committed to KR until the end of the season when current Newcastle Knights assistant Willie Peters joins the club on a three-year deal starting from 2023.

Now, though, could Tony return to the club where he made his name in Super League? – Leeds?

It wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen in rugby league and Tony still has huge admirers at Headingley following his illustrious time spent there.

Smith won two Grand Finals with Leeds during his four-year tenure and, working in tandem with Rohan, would certainly help bring the good times back alongside his nephew who is currently inspiring a rejuvenation at Headingley.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. John Rushbrooke

    July 22, 2022 at 11:49 am

    Are there any facts to substantiate this wild speculation or was it just a quiet day on the RL front so you thought you’d make something up to fill the void?

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