Rohan Smith named Bradford coach
Rohan Smith has been appointed as the new coach of the Bradford Bulls.
Smith, the son of former Bradford coach Brian, joins the Bulls on a three-year deal after being allowed to leave his assistant coach position at NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
The 35-year old has worked at various roles at several NRL sides, including Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors.
Smith started his career as a scout at the Warriors and then moved through the ranks of the coaching staff before leaving to join the New Zealand international team as part of their coaching set up.
The Australian experienced his first taste of coaching on English soil, as he became the assistant at London Broncos and Harlequins in 2004.
In 2007, the opportunity arose to return to the NRL, as Smith became the assistant to father Brian at the Newcastle Knights, where he gained vital experience, with responsibilities including planning and implementing game tactics, skills sessions, and speed and conditioning drills for two seasons.
During his time with the Knights, Smith earned the position of Tongan head coach in 2009 before returning to Newcastle, where he remained for a season prior to joining Sydney Roosters in 2010.
Throughout his two year stint as assistant coach at the Roosters, Smith was integral in developing the squad where he once again implemented tactical skills, speed and conditioning sessions. Following his time at the Roosters he joined fellow NRL side Penrith under Ivan Cleary for a season.
Smith rejoined the Warriors in 2014 as their inaugural NSW Cup Head Coach, before he moved to the Titans where he became the assistant coach heading up the defensive department.
“I cannot wait to get over to England and I am really looking forward to the next chapter of my career working for the Bulls,” Smith said in a statement.
“I’ve had a long affinity with the Bulls since 1996 at the beginning of the Super League with my Dad and it was great to be a part of it watching on from the stands.
“I was fortunate enough to start coaching at a young age and my path has been a bit different to the path which most coaches take.
“I’ve been the apprentice at a series of NRL clubs, plus the time I spent in the UK with London Broncos and during that time, the Provident Stadium, Odsal was always an intimidating place to visit but also exciting at the same time.
“I have worked with some great coaches during my career; Trent Robinson, Matthew Elliott, Daniel Anderson, Jason Taylor, Rick Stone, and recently Neil Henry and Terry Matterson.
“This position I feel is something I have worked hard for and I’m ready to take it on.”
“We would like to thank Gold Coast’s CEO Graham Annesley and Head Coach Neil Henry for allowing Rohan to take up the position at the club,” Bradford Bulls Managing Director Steve Ferres said.
“This is a hugely exciting time for both the Bulls and Rohan. He is a young coach with an incredible amount of energy and desire to drive this club’s performance department and carve out his own legacy.
“Rohan joins us on the back of a raft of testimonials from some of the greatest rugby league minds in the game both from past and present NRL coaches. His CV is unparalleled with an in-depth knowledge of every aspect of the game.
“His personal network with world class coaches and players will leave him at the cutting edge of the sport’s advancements, and will also be useful in talent identification.
“We are delighted he has joined Bradford and we look forward to watching him develop the team and move us up another level.”
