Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith on recruitment and current player retention priorities

Rohan Smith touched down in the UK with his first port of call Headingley.

Before he even met the coaching staff, Smith spoke to the media outlining his plans for the near and long-term future.

One of those priorities will be to re-sign some of those Leeds men that are out of contract as well as identifying potential recruits who would improve the squad.

“Those conversations we will be starting to have in the next few days and check on the status of players who are looking to be re-signed or who we want to be re-signed,” Smith said.

“I think every club is always looking to strengthen their roster – whether it’s possible with the salary cap and also with needs of the group it’s always going to be a priority.

“There’s a bunch of young kids coming through and so you don’t want too many people in the way.

“Addressing peoples’ futures is always a priority but whether it needs to be done today or next week, I won’t be able to give a definite answer today.”

Smith had some great words to say about interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan after he led the Rhinos to two wins in a row in the past week.

“I’m keen to build on what’s happened in the last few weeks, there’s been a lot of energy and working with what they’ve done and adding to that.

“I’m not looking to shift too far away from what Jonesy has done.

“It shows a lot about him and his character as an emerging coach – what a test and opportunity he’s had to be leading that group of men.

“From overseas and watching things online there’s been a lot of positivity coming back.

“It’s been a tough gig for a youthful coach, but he’s got some great ideas and values on life and you can see the team has been playing well together.”

Jones-Buchanan will continue in his role as assistant coach alongside Sean Long with Smith confirming he had no intention of changing the backroom staff.