Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson could inspire Leeds to Super League glory
LEEDS have an unlikely inspiration as they look to go one better than this year’s Super League’s Grand Final loss – Sir Alex Ferguson.
The thought of the former Manchester United boss helping the Rhinos to Old Trafford may send some people on the other side of the Pennines cold.
But boss Rohan Smith revealed he has enjoyed a bit of Fergie Time as he seeks to get better.
The Australian is keen on learning from coaches in other sports, with American football a big source of tips.
However, he did admit the way Fergie worked and how he went about achieving success is something he looked at.
Smith said: “I’ve listened to one of Sir Alex’s books and read one.
“One of the things that has stuck with me is a comment he made, ‘If it’s important enough to speak about, you’ll remember it.’
“I’ve never been one for taking down notes during games or writing down things in speech format. What comes from my heart and my head at the time is what must be most important.
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“I remember reading that in one of Sir Alex’s books. I already felt like that but it re-enforced my beliefs.
“And when you hear of some of the greatest coaches in history doing things a certain way and you believe in a similar theme, it gives you confidence.
“I’ve checked out other sports and spoken to other coaches. If someone told me there was a good coach somewhere, I’d try and find out if they had a book and check it out.
“I’d either pick up some things from them or it would reaffirm some of my own thoughts.”
Smith insists Leeds’ 24-12 loss to St Helens can be the start of regular Grand Final appearances rather than a one-off.
He has added Papua New Guinea star Nene Macdonald to his ranks on a two-year deal from Leigh.
And he went through the school of hard knocks as he learned what rugby league in West Yorkshire can be like as he played while dad Brian coached Bradford, alongside Headingley legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
Smith added: “I played at Stanningley as a 14-year-old for maybe half a season and it was tough. It was a battle.
“I actually got dropped on my head one day in a spear tackle and I woke up on the sidelines not knowing what had happened.
“But it was an enjoyable experience. I wasn’t very good but I loved playing. Jamie was actually in the same team as me.”