Why Rohan Smith was the outstanding applicant
We set a tough criteria at the outset, I think when I was last on the call I said it would be an exhaustive process and that the candidates would need to have worked at the highest level at Super League or NRL, head coaching experience and a track record of success. That ruled quite a number of people out but we had a number of applicants and we had a strong pool to pick from
We ended with a shortlist of about eight both from across Australia and back at home. It was a very strong pool, some outstanding candidates but we believe in Rohan Smith we have an outstanding coach but also someone with experience of running a rugby operation, which is what you need at this level. But he has enjoyed success as a coach and an educator. For people who know about coaching he comes with the very highest of recommendations.
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The selection process
We only approached people who were interested in the job and that was a process in itself. I have to pay tribute to his club, North Brisbane Devils and Brisbane Broncos, the affiliate club, they've been very supportive of Rohan and they see this as a unique opportunity for him and see it as a unique opportunity for him.
Any concern over appointing someone with his experience?
No concern at all, he ticks many boxes, he's ambitious, has been very successful and is committed with a passion for the game. We see him as an integral part of our club for many years to come. It's very much a long-term appointment, he'll be here to build and guide our team building. He will be the perfect mentor of those players and in terms of what we're looking for and at this juncture I believe Rohan Smith is a perfect candidate.
When he will arrive
Pretty soon all being well, his club have given him his blessing to travel, the application process is already live, there's a chance he could already be here for when we play Hull Kingston Rovers which will be an interesting one because Tony Smith will be coaching the Rovers. Come what may, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and his staff will remain in charge for Toulouse and next Friday as well. But we're hoping Rohan can arrive pretty soon.
Any correlation between Rohan's appointment and Tony Smith's resignation at Hull KR
None at all, no. That came as a surprise to me as Tony has done a terrific job for Hull Kingston Rovers so I was surprised to see that announcement come completely out of the blue
The initial brief
Clearly the Rhinos team is decimated with injuries and suspensions and has been for quite a number of weeks now. Jamie Jones-Buchanan has done an outstanding job, the coaching staff and players are totally committed to creating some wins which we've been close to but not quite close enough. A goal is to get some winning results, more long term it's to get some of our quality players on the field and playing well and show our fans what we're capable of doing which we've bot been able to do so far this season.
Being comfortable with Tony Smith comparisons?
I don't know, you'd have to ask him. They're different characters, I didn't know Rohan at all until recently, but I know his father Brian and I've no doubt he's had some influence on Rohan, Tony and indeed all the Smiths over the years. It does turn the clock back to appointing Tony Smith who wasn't a big name at the time. I think we came in for criticism from fans who thought we hadn't appointed a big name at the time. Tony had limited experience and coached at Huddersfield of course, but as we all know, he proved to be the perfect coach at that time, he had four great years and we'll be forever grateful for the legacy he left and the success he enjoyed. Rohan comes in a bit more experienced than Tony, a little bit older, but with the same passion and zest for the game with ambition to achieve success, so that's an interesting parallel.
Changes to backroom staff
Rohan will inherit the staff that's here now, there's been quite a few backroom changes over the last few years and we want to create some stability. He will simply replace Jamie as head coach who will return to his role as assistant coach. This experience will help Jamie as well, he's certainly a potential head coach in the future and has handled this experience extremely well. He will inherit the staff and the players who are here.
Who recommended Rohan?
The reason I went to Australia was to meet and spend time with people and that's certainly something I did with Rohan and other candidates. But I think you will find throughout Australia and New Zealand, Rohan has an outstanding reputation and he the players he's coached speak very highly of him. That's common knowledge and pretty well known. You don't have to look too far to find that. At the same time, spending time with someone for the first time gives you a good feel of what they're capable of and their desire, I was satisfied he ticked all of those boxes.
Criticism to not appointing a big name...
Big names, what is a big name? They don't count for a great deal in truth. You've to weight up and assess the job in hand and who is the best candidate. I remember when we appointed Graham Murray we had the same sort of criticism, well Graham did an outstanding job. So did Tony Smith, so did Brian McDermott, he became the most successful in the game's history. But they weren't welcome at the time as inspirational appointments. It's not a public opinion contest, we have to make a judgement and I believe the judgement we've made is spot on.
Interest in bringing Tony Smith back to the club in some capacity...
I can't speak for Tony Smith, what I do know is that he's an outstanding coach, that's where his abilities and strengths are and where his passion is. I think he's one of the game's great coahces and I believe that will be the next role he's looking at.
What input Richard Agar had in the selection process?
Very little, I think he's on holiday in Florida now and when leaving us went on holiday to Australia so inevitably came across some of his rugby league colleagues he enjoys time with when out there. Richard did feed a bit of information back but in terms of the ultimate appointment, that's the reason I've been there.
