- Leeds Rhinos fans turned on Smith after Saturday’s defeat to Hull FC
- Smith’s departure comes before Leeds’ first home game since Burrow’s death
- Tributes will be paid to legendary former player Burrow on Friday against Leigh
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has left the club to avoid being a “distraction” when Rob Burrow’s life is celebrated during Friday night’s clash with Leigh.
Rhinos fans turned on Smith following last Saturday’s defeat to Hull FC, a third defeat in four games, which left the team languishing in seventh place in the Super League table.
The Australian manager has parted ways with Leeds by mutual consent ahead of their first home game since their legendary former player Burrow died aged 41 from motor neurone disease.
“Friday will be a special night for the club and we wanted to eliminate the current speculation and distractions among the coaches,” Smith said.
‘Celebrating Rob’s life, the great work done by the club and Kev (Sinfield) for the MND community and playing well is the focus on Friday.
Rohan Smith has left Leeds Rhinos to avoid being a ‘distraction’ as they celebrate Rob Burrow
Smith saw his team suffer a third defeat in four games against Hull last week.
Burrow passed away earlier this month at the age of 41 after a five-year battle with motor neurone disease.
Leeds Rhinos paid tribute to Burrow before the game against Hull and will do so again on Friday in their first home game since his death.
Smith welcomed Burrow’s father Geoff (right) and mother Irene earlier this month as the club paid its respects.
“I believe this team can still achieve great things and I am proud of the work the coaching team has done to develop the players, especially the next generation.
“Unfortunately, I will not be the head coach to see how this development continues, but I look forward to seeing the future successes of the club.”
Smith was appointed by Leeds in April 2022 and led them to the Grand Final at the end of that season.
But last season they missed out on the play-offs after finishing eighth, and last Saturday’s defeat (their seventh in 14 games so far this season) proved to be the last straw.
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “Results and performances this season have not met all of our expectations to get us back to where we want to be.”
