Brian Smith

He is an NRL veteran when it comes to coaching, having enjoyed stints with the St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters and now, Brian Smith embarks on a new coaching role. The USA Tomahawks.

With Matt Elliott having to stand down from the role due to his coaching commitments to NRL side the New Zealand Warriors, the appointment of Smith as the new USA Tomahawks coach comes in the lead-up to their World Cup campaign.

Smith, who won the Dally M Coach of the Year in 2010, said that an ambition of his has been to develop the game of rugby league in the United States in whatever way he can.

“The potential for the game in America is enormous,” he said.

“American people go nuts over rugby league.

“Matt Elliott has been fantastic for the Tomahawks and I just want to dovetail on the back Pokies 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 USA in the 1970’s.

“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.”

Former Tomahawks coach Matt Elliott said the role was an enjoyable one for him and a career highlight.

“It was just a great time with great people and I’m delighted for Brian because he will be able to put in the time to that group that I couldn’t of late,” Elliott said.

“Smithy is a great appointment. Working with David Niu (AMNRL chief executive) and doing what I could to help the game grow was a great part of my life beginning in 2007.”

By ricky

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