Leeds Rhinos part ways with Rohan Smith after woeful start to Super League season
- Seb Sternik
- 19 June 2024
Leeds Rhinos are looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Rohan Smith.
The Super League clubs have confirmed Smith’s departure following a poor start to the season which culminated with a shock 18-10 defeat against Hull FC last weekend.
Smith became head coach at Headingley at the halfway mark of the 2022 season and initially enjoyed a strong start.
Leeds reached the Grand Final despite spending most of the season outside of the play-off places. Nevertheless, they lost 24-12 to St Helens at Old Trafford.
The following season didn’t go to plan with the club missing out on the top six. That led to an aggressive transfer policy which saw the club recruit the likes of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers.
Despite this, there is little sign of progress with Leeds currently sitting in seventh spot in the table, two points adrift of the play-off places.
So far this season, the Rhinos have won seven of 14 matches, scoring 256 points and conceding 260.
Leeds' immediate form is also worrying with the club losing three of their last four games.
Smith told the Leeds Rhinos website: "I had always stated that it was a long term project to establish a team that will be able to have sustainable success, and I believe that we have assembled a roster that can continue to push for a 2024 playoff spot, the supporters can get behind the boys and give them their support.
“Friday will be a special night for the club and we wanted to remove the ongoing coaching speculation and distraction.
"Celebrating Rob’s life, the great work done by the club and Kev for the MND community and playing well is the focus for Friday.
"I believe this team can still achieve great things and I am proud of the work that the coaching team have done to develop players, especially the next generations.
"Unfortunately, I will not be Head Coach to see this development continue but I look forward to watching the clubs future successes and wish everyone at the club all the best for the future."
The Rhinos will need to find an interim replacement as the side prepare for a home clash against in-form Leigh Leopards this Friday night at Headingley stadium.
