Rohan Smith not listening to Leeds’ online critics – he prefers to talk
ROHAN Smith understands why some Leeds fans would say ‘get out of our club’ but is adamant real supporters talk rather than rant online.
Look at social media and it was easy to forget the Rhinos actually WON 18-12 at Hull FC.
Leeds boss Rohan Smith insists views of fans who speak to him resonate more than online criticsSWPIX.COM
People told how they want the Australian out and painted a depressing picture of things at Headingley.
But the man at the centre of the statements would rather speak to people face-to-face rather than see what is produced on a keyboard.
He said: “Social media in general is a great tool to share good messaging, to connect with people. I see the upside and constructive criticism or asking questions.
“Fans will stop me in the street when I’m walking the dog, at the gym, wherever, and they ask a question about what’s going on.
“Most of the time, the fans will understand a bit better once they’re given a bit of context to the situation – there are certain circumstances people don’t understand or see. They just see what happens on the field, but there’s a lot more to it.
“I share their disappointment and frustration in the performance but going away to Hull and getting a win playing against a spirited team that had a lot to prove is still a win.
“We were the better team. We didn’t fall over the line. We didn’t win by a convincing scoreline but there was no doubting who the best team was.
“We’re five and four, we’re not trying to find our first win here. In the NRL, teams have been two and seven and won the comp – things can shift quickly.
“There’s no hiding away from it, though, we want to play better, more often, for longer in games.”
Smith’s side host winless London tonight, with many feeling only a 40-point win will do.
Smith’s team was criticised even though it won at Hull FCSWPIX.COM
To Smith, however, seeing steps towards a new squad, missing arguably its entire first choice three-quarter line, linking up is as important.
He added: “I feel for people, they want to see great rugby – we do and I do.
“I don’t want us to play boring rugby. I want us to play a style that will stretch teams and challenge teams but we’ve also got to understand where we’re at and be prepared to grind games out.
“We’re still a relatively new group. We don’t have the cohesion yet that other clubs have built over a long period of time.
“We’re five and four, so we’re in a position to build on that this week.”
