Tony Smith reveals link up with Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield during time away from rugby league

Tony Smith is now head coach of Hull FC – just months after leaving Hull KR.

It’s a move that has certainly got people talking having ditched the Red and White for the Black and White of Hull, but Smith is determined to produce success at the MKM Stadium.

However, in the time that he has spent off coaching, the former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves boss has been continuing to broaden his horizons – including a surprise trip to Kevin Sinfield’s current side, the Leicester Tigers.

“I’ve got some associations with Sporting Chance which I’ve been a patron of some time,” Smith told the Hull FC website.

“I’ve had some past experiences with the LMA – the League Managers Association – which I am looking to pick up that as well with managers having a look at what we do and how we go about it.

“I also got an invite to Leicester Tigers and see what a fantastic program they have got there.

“Kevin Sinfield is assistant there and I can see why they won last year and why they are very well coached.

“That was a real inspiration for me and it got my head around how much I miss coaching as well.

“It certainly got my juices flowing again so I am very grateful (for that opportunity).”

It remains to be seen the impact that Smith will have on Hull, but it’s fair to say that this is a groundbreaking appointment by Adam Pearson and co. at the East Yorkshire side.

The Black and Whites finished a measly ninth in the Super League table despite spending most of the season inside the play-offs before a dreadful run of results ensured another disappointing year that ended with Brett Hodgson leaving the club.

Smith has a major rebuild on his hands as well as the task of repairing the fraction between the fans and the club.