Leeds Rhinos appointed Rohan Smith as their new head coach yesterday, with the former Bradford Bulls boss signing a three-and-a-half year deal.
In doing so, Smith expects to be at Headingley sooner rather than later with the Rhinos languishing second bottom in the Super League table.
But now Smith has revealed why he thinks that chief executive Gary Hetherington has given him the reins.
“I was very much myself speaking to Gary, speaking about my beliefs of rugby league and my passion for teaching and being part of something that isn’t about an individual but a community that impacts so many people,” Smith said.
“I want to make the game better overall, I want to make a positive impact on the game and I think that reflected on the conversations we had.”
Smith believes he can improve anyone he comes across – whether or not they are a player or part of the staff.
“I can influence people on their behaviour and how they play the game – I can improve the individual whether they are young or old.
“I’ve got an attitude towards improvement myself and that’s quite infectious with people I work with, but I also feel I’m very adaptive to what’s needed and coming in mid-season you need that ability to adapt.”