ROHAN Smith is aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps after being appointed as the Bulls’ new head coach on a three-year deal.

The Australian has secured a release from his job as Gold Coast Titans assistant coach to take the reins at Odsal following Jimmy Lowes’ recent departure.

In 1996, Brian Smith laid the foundations for the Bulls’ Super League success and his son has beaten off competition from Dewsbury coach Glenn Morrison and Oldham boss Scott Naylor to land the post.

Smith has worked at various NRL clubs in an assistant role and also spent two years at London Broncos in a similar capacity a decade ago.

Smith, who turned 35 today, is currently waiting on a visa and should arrive in the UK within the next fortnight before his wife and nine-month-old baby follow him in the coming weeks.

He said: “I cannot wait to get over to England. I’ve had a long affinity with the Bulls since 1996 at the beginning of the Super League with my Dad.

“It was great to be a part of it watching on from the stands; then coaching against the Bulls in 2004 to 2006 when I was with London Broncos.

“Odsal was always a great place to come, very intimidating but enjoyable at the same time.

 “I am really looking forward to the next chapter of my career working for the Bulls.”

Smith is the third member of the family to coach in this country.

His father Brian had spells with Hull and Bradford and his uncle Tony is one of the most successful coaches in Super League history following stints at Leeds and Warrington, his current employers.

Rohan Smith worked under Daniel Anderson, one of his father’s proteges, at the New Zealand Warriors where he began his coaching career.

Smith went on to enjoy various stints with the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters, London Broncos and latterly, as assistant coach at the Gold Coast Titans.

“I was fortunate enough to start coaching at a young age,” said Smith.

“My path was a bit different to the path which most coaches take.

“I started as a 21 year-old when I went to New Zealand Warriors under Daniel Anderson.

“I then did apprenticeships through a series of NRL clubs, plus the time I spent in the UK with London Broncos.

“This position is the next step in my career and I feel it is something I have worked hard for and I’m ready to take it on.

“I can’t rely on a prolific playing career like a lot of coaches have had.

“Instead, I’ve had to go down a different path and I’ve been really lucky to work under a lot of great coaches.

“The coaches I have worked with over the time; Trent Robinson, Matthew Elliott, Daniel Anderson, Jason Taylor, Rick Stone, and recently Neil Henry and Terry Matterson.

“It has been a great apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to the step up.”