Tony Smith announces he will leave Hull KR at end of season

Hull KR coach Tony Smith has announced he will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

The Australian took over the coaching reins at the Robins midway through the 2019 season. Smith guided the Robins to the Super League semi-finals last season.

His contract is up at the end of the year and Smith has confirmed he will be leaving the club – but he has stressed that he won’t be taking charge of his former club Leeds.

Tony Smith on his decision to leave Hull KR

He said: “Today I have made a decision about my future. I have just spoken to the players and the chairman, I won’t be coaching at Hull KR beyond the end of this year. I’m going to step aside and hand it over to the next person.

“It saddens me to say it but I think it is the best thing for the organisation. I have really enjoyed coaching this special group of players and loved the support that I’ve been getting here by all the supporters so it has been great.

“Before anybody asks, I haven’t got the job at Leeds, it won’t be me that’s announced. There is no other job that I’m leaving for. It is just a decision that I’ve come to.

“We aren’t talking about money issues here, it is just the right thing to do and the right time to announce it and the players understand it. It gives the club the opportunity to get out there and find the suitable replacement and the players deserve the best they can get.

“It also gives me a chance to look for my next venture wherever that may be and hopefully that will come but we’ll see.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will continue to do so. I will be 100% committed to the team and the club until hopefully Grand Final day, which will be my preferred final day.”

Smith has an impressive coaching CV, which includes two Super League Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge with Leeds as well as three Challenge Cups with Warrington.

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