Brian Smith’s son named new Bradford coach

New Bradford coach Rohan Smith says he is not feeling any pressure in following his famous father’s footsteps at the English rugby league club.

The Gold Coast Titans assistant will become the latest member of the Smith family to take up coaching in the UK after agreeing to a three-year Bradford deal.

His dad, former long time NRL mentor Brian Smith, coached Bradford in Super League 20 years ago.

The 35-year-old is also the nephew of Warrington’s former England and Great Britain boss Tony Smith.

Smith’s priority will be to earn Championship League team Bradford promotion to the Super League.

Coincidentally Bradford were denied promotion last season by a Wakefield side coached by his father Brian.

Smith replaces former British hooker James Lowes as Bradford coach.

Bradford are third on the second-tier Championship League ladder, keeping alive a chance at promotion at season’s end.

“It’s all happened pretty suddenly, but I have to take this opportunity,” said Rohan Smith, the Titans defensive coach.

“I feel I have done a long apprenticeship.

“I don’t feel any pressure because of my name.

“It is probably a good thing if anything that I have had that exposure.

“Since I was born I have been watching footy.”

Smith has enjoyed assistant stints at the Warriors, English club London Broncos, Newcastle under his father, Sydney Roosters and Penrith before linking with the Titans.

Titans coach Neil Henry was unsure when he would fill the vacancy created by Smith’s departure.

“It’s a hole to fill, that’s for sure,” he said on Friday.

Bradford managing director Steve Ferres said: “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.

“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.

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