Leeds Rhinos announced the capture of Norths Devils boss Rohan Smith on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday
That move came as some surprise, with the former Bradford Bulls head coach’s name barely mentioned in the debate over who will take over at Headingley.
And, for former St Helens forward Jon Wilkin, it is an interesting one.
“I think it’s a really interesting appointment,” Wilkin told Sky Sports.
“Gary Hetherington said he wasn’t going to announce a novice coach – well you can argue that he is a relative novice.
“He’s got a lot of experience, but much of that has been in the background and not much as the head coach.
“If you’ve got the experience of being at ten or 12 clubs then that gives you a broad idea of what good coaching looks like, but that being said he is still relatively inexperienced.
“There’s no real prejudgement over how he will do, but Leeds need something now.”
Kevin Brown also seemed unsure with the appointment, stating on the Last Tackle podcast: “I think he will need some help there. Tony Smith could be the perfect candidate.
“He is a family member and he’s been at Leeds before – ala Shaun Wane and Matty Peet. I’m not sure I would be confident about someone who hasn’t coached at the highest level.”
Smith comes highly regarded from both Australia and the UK.
In 2013, he moved to Penrith Panthers before a return to the New Zealand Warriors in 2014.
In 2015 he moved to Gold Coast Titans as an assistant coach before the opportunity arose to become Head Coach with Bradford Bulls in the Championship in England.
His time at the Bulls was marred by off field financial issues for the Odsal club, however Smith’s reputation continued to grow after impressing the players he worked with, including the current Rhinos Academy coach Chev Walker, who was his assistant at the Bulls.
Smith’s next Head Coach role came with Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup, Brisbane Broncos’ affiliate club, leading them to glory last year in their Grand Final win over Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
