To many, Tony Smith is the greatest coach in Super League history.
He worked wonders at Huddersfield before finally ending Leeds’ 32-year wait for a title in 2004. He then made them World Champions in 2005 before delivering a second Super League title in 2007.
This was the start of the club’s golden generation. Then after an albeit mixed England stint he took the reigns at Warrington finally making good on the club’s potential.
He won three Challenge Cups in four years and a pair of League Leaders’ Shields even taking the Wolves to three Grand Finals.
Then at Hull KR he pulled them away from the bottom of the table, got them playing great rugby and took them to the Super League and Challenge Cup semi-finals. However, on Monday that came to an end making Smith available once again so what club will he work wonders with this time?
Wakefield Trinity
Willie Poching had the ideal effect at Wakefield when he took over from Chris Chester last year however 2022 hasn’t gone according to plan. A massive rebuild seems to be on the cards with Tom Johnstone already confirming his departure and Jacob Miller and Mason Lino set to follow. Poching is a very good coach but Smith is perhaps the best and could help Poching develop even more. Smith could do a similar job at Trinity as he did at Hull KR pulling them away from relegation, revamping the side and turning them into a play-off contender. His brother Brian was previously in the Wakefield hot seat.
Leeds Rhinos
The day Tony Smith announced he would be leaving Hull KR was the same day that his nephew was appointed Leeds Rhinos coach. Coincidence? Perhaps. Either way Leeds have been without a Director of Rugby since Kevin Sinfield left and Smith has massive connections in the game and knows a good player when he sees one developing many stars. The family link and his previous stint at Leeds could make him the ideal DoR at Headingley.
Hull FC
Hull FC have recently hit struggles making some question Brett Hodgson. However, the former Warrington man is overseeing a great project at the MKM stadium with Jake Trueman a really exciting signing for next season. However, in a similar vein to the other two clubs, Smith could come in alongside Hodgson in some capacity to support him, help mould the culture and develop his signature style of play. What a story it would be seeing him join Hull FC after his Hull KR days. Hodgson is another former player of his so a partnership is not out of the question.
