- The Courier-Mail
VETERAN NRL mentor Brian Smith has been appointed head coach of the US Tomahawks for their inaugural Rugby League World Cup campaign.
Signing Smith, who has taken four first-grade teams to grand finals, is a major coup for the Tomahawks who are ranked 10th in the world.
Smith replaces another coaching veteran in Matt Elliott who had to step down from his role due to New Zealand Warriors duties.
Smith, the 2010 Dally M coach of the year, said he had long-held ambitions to develop the sport in America.
"The potential for the game in America is enormous," he said.
"American people go nuts over our game.
 |
| Former Roosters coach Brian Smith has signed on to coach the US Tomahawks. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph |
"Matt Elliott has been fantastic for the Tomahawks and I just want to dovetail on the back of that.
"I have had long running connections to the game in America, beginning with a great friendship with Mike Mayer who was one of the men who introduced the game to the States in the 1970s.
"I have been to America many times and I always take videos with me and when you actually sit down and explain the strategy they truly embrace and understand it."
The Tomahawks will be venturing to the UK and Wales in October to take part in their first ever Rugby League World Cup.
They face the Cook Islands, Scotland and Wales in their pool group.
Tags:
Sports News