Under mounting pressure at Leeds Rhinos due to a series of subpar performances, Rohan Smith faces scrutiny following the team’s narrow victory against Super League strugglers Hull FC. Despite the win, Leeds’ lackluster display prompted criticism from supporters, who voiced their dissatisfaction and called for Smith’s departure.
With an upcoming match against Super League’s bottom team, London Broncos, at Headingley on Friday night, Leeds will confront the challenge with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Anything less than a convincing win against London is likely to intensify the pressure on Smith.
In his pre-London press conference, Smith revealed that he is reaching out for support from a circle of trusted mentors as he endeavors to navigate Leeds Rhinos through the current crisis.
Smith remains steadfast in his belief that every day presents an opportunity for coaching improvement and maintains confidence in his ability to succeed at Leeds. “I’m as driven as ever in my coaching career,” he expressed, highlighting his decision to pursue coaching from a young age without a playing background.
In his efforts to reverse the team’s fortunes, Smith is seeking advice from former colleagues in Australia. Leeds marks his inaugural coaching role at the top level, having previously managed the Bradford Bulls and North Devils in their respective second-tier competitions. Additionally, he has garnered experience with coaching roles at Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.
Reflecting on his journey, Smith emphasizes the continuous pursuit of progress and learning. “Every day is an opportunity to move forward, to enhance, to evolve as an individual,” he affirmed, underscoring his commitment to personal development and improvement.
“I’m reaching out for support and guidance from both within the club and trusted mentors outside,” Smith revealed, acknowledging his efforts to navigate through this challenging period. He expressed his strong belief and determination to succeed for the club, its supporters, the board, and especially for his own family and close associates.
Despite Smith’s resilience, the pressure is palpable within the team as they face scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. While the Rhinos squad remains unified, internal tensions are mounting. Smith admitted that the players are feeling frustrated by their own performances, adding to the existing pressure within the club.
“The players are putting in the effort, and they’re a tightly knit, cohesive group. However, they’re feeling frustrated with certain aspects or moments of our performance,” Smith acknowledged. He emphasized the importance of unity and shared purpose within the entire organization. “Players simply want to sense that we’re all in this together—fans, staff, players, administration, the board—everyone aligned toward the same goal of achieving the best for the Rhinos. So yes, perhaps some of them do sense a bit of tension within the environment,” he concluded.