Lachan Coote speaks out on Hull KR’s dismissal of Tony Smith

Hull KR rocked the rest of Super League this morning when announcing the departure of Tony Smith as of now.

The former Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos head coach was leaving Craven Park at the end of the 2022 Super League season anyway, but Rovers have taken action now on the back of a disappointing 28-6 loss to Toulouse Olympique in the south of France on Saturday evening.

Danny McGuire will take interim charge until the end of the year and it will be interesting to see how the former Leeds hero will go, despite claiming earlier in the year that he would not be ready to take over full charge with Smith’s departure.

And, one of Smith’s major signings for the 2022 season, Lachlan Coote, has revealed just how difficult it has been to say goodbye to the Australian.

“It’s obviously disappointing, it’s not how Tony wanted it to end or how I wanted him to end,” Coote told Sky Sports.

“He’s created a great culture at KR and he’s brought some players to KR that probably wouldn’t have come to the club.

“Usually coaches leave clubs in a worse position but he’s done the opposite. He’s definitely been great for the club and great for the fans. I’ve enjoyed my time with him.”