New Bradford Bulls coach Rohan Smith says he’s determined to get the club back to “where they belong” – Super League.
The Bulls confirmed the appointment of the Gold Coast assistant, son of former Bradford coach Brian and nephew to Warrington boss Tony, on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation over who the new man would be.
And he admits he’s itching to get to England and get started, and says he’s intent on continuing his family legacy in English Rugby League.
“It’s an awesome opportunity,” he told the Titans’ official website.
“I’m very proud of what my Dad, uncle and brothers have done in professional Rugby League. I’m hoping to continue that and Bradford is a team I remember as a teenager from being there as a great traditional club. I want to get this club back to where it belongs.”
Smith also said he expects to be in West Yorkshire within the fortnight, and revealed he has already started checking out the Bulls’ recent matches.
“I’m heading up to Brisbane shortly to fill in the necessary visa paperwork but I’ll be on the plane in the next week to two weeks,” he said.
“The more pressing thing initially is to get a gauge on the players and staff and not overly focus on next year but the goal is there for every club to strive to get into Super League.
“I’ve spent a bit of time last night watching some of their footy from recent weeks and I’m starting to form a few opinions, but there’s nothing like being there on the coalface to forge some proper feelings about people.”
And Smith has history with Bradford, attending the 1996 Challenge Cup final when his father was in charge at Odsal, something he still remembers well.
“The Challenge Cup final was like nothing I’d ever experienced before; it was an exciting game which didn’t go the right way but it was one of the best sporting experiences I’ve been a part of.”
