Leeds Rhinos boss quits following poor start to season
The Rhinos have lost seven Super League games and are outside the play off positions
Last updated 19th Jun 2024
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has quit following a poor run of results, which has left the side seventh in the Super League table.
The Rhinos have lost seven games in 14 this season, most recently to Hull FC, and are four points off the play off positions.
Smith agreed a move to Headingley in 2022, and took the club to a Super League Grand Final in his first year.
But he and the club have decided to part ways, with Smith saying he believes they have built a roster "that can continue to push for a 2024 play off spot".
The announcement also comes before Leeds Rhinos' first home game since the death of club legend Rob Burrow, following a four-and-a-half year battle with MND.
Smith said: "“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."
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington commented, “It is always disappointing to lose a Head Coach especially someone like Rohan, who has done so much good work behind the scenes since his arrival two years ago.
"At that point we were sat near the foot of the table but he re-invigorated us to reach the Grand Final with an incredible run of form.
"However, it is fair to say the Rhinos results and performances this season have not met all our expectations to get us back to where we want to be."
Hetherington thanked Smith for his work at the club, and the search for a new head coach is underway.