Smith extends stay at Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos have received a massive boost ahead of the start of the new engage Super League season this Sunday at Headingley Carnegie against Huddersfield with the news that Head Coach Tony Smith has agreed a new one year extension which will keep him at Leeds until at least the end of 2007.

Smith, who will come up against his former club this Sunday, was named engage Super League Coach of the Year last season and was due to be out of contract at the end of the 2006 season. However, he has agreed a one year extension now having moved to Headingley Carnegie at the start of the 2004 season.

Commenting on the announcement Smith said, ?I?m delighted to have been offered and accepted an extension to my contract. It is an honour to coach a club that is always competitive and pushing for titles. I would like to thank Paul Caddick and Gary Hetherington for their backing and I had no hesitation in signing my new contract.

?I have enjoyed my time already here at the club and I am looking forward to the future and working with the exciting players and backroom staff we have in place now at the Rhinos. The strength of our team both on and off the pitch was a major factor in my decision and we will have some exciting times in the future.

?I am pleased to have got the extension sorted out before the start of the season and we can now concentrate on the year ahead and doing our best. Having recently been back to Australia, my family are very happy here in England and this is certainly home for us now,? added Smith.

Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added, ?We are delighted Tony has accepted this extension and we are now looking forward to continue our progression under him and his coaching team over the next two years at least. Tony has done a tremendous job in his two years already at Headingley Carnegie and we are all looking forward to the new season now, starting on Sunday at home against Huddersfield.?