Tony Smith predicts how long it will take Leeds Rhinos to be a ‘top 2’ team again

Tony Smith is one of the most important coaches in the Leeds Rhinos’ history. He joined the club in 2004 and steered them to a first Super League title that year, ending a long wait to lift the game’s biggest prize. It was also the first title of many lifted by the club’s Golden Generation.

The club could not be further from that at the moment though, as they slumped to a demoralising defeat against Hull FC.  Hull had not won for 11 games in all competitions and Leeds, off the bavk of a home win against Castleford Tigers, were expected to register a comfortable win against the side from West Hull.

Smith’s nephew, Rohan Smith, is the current Head Coach at the Rhinos and now faces a significant amount of pressure around his role at the club. Tony Smith, who was covering the game as part of Sky’s team of pundits, had mixed loyalties in the game, having recently left the Head Coach’s position at FC.

Speaking after the game, Smith offered his opinion on whether Leeds were ready to compete for honours in Super League again. Smith offered a pessimistic outlook for the club’s immediate future.

Tony Smith believes Leeds Rhinos are several years away from competing

When asked if he believed Leeds’ current league position was a fair reflection of their performances so far this season, Smith agreed. Smith stated that, whilst Leeds do not currently have a squad which is capable of competing at the top end of Super League, they should show patience with their current set-up. He said:

“Yeah, I wouldn’t disagree with that either. You know, that’s probably where they’re at at this stage. And do they want to be one and two in two or three years time? And will it probably take that amount of time? I think so, you know, to develop into that.

“Do the people in the stand have that sort of patience? Sometimes not. Do the people who hire and fire, do they have the patience? That’s the biggest question. Smith said,

I think Gary Hetherington has done over the years, but until he finds the right one.”

Smith added, “Some of that’s been circumstances that have arisen that he’s had to make those changes. But, hopefully, he’s felt, you know, I’m not just saying this because he’s my nephew.

“He’s hoping that he’s got the right coach and he’s going to put the faith in them and support him through. Otherwise, if you keep doing the change and hopefully he’s worked out that he’s done enough changes to find the right one. No guarantees until you work through it but when you find the right one you kind of know too. You kind of know.”