ROHAN Smith has been backed to bring an “NRL mentality” to the Bulls following his appointment on a three-year deal.

The son of former Bradford boss Brian Smith is to become a head coach for the first time following a 14-year apprenticeship which has included stints at several NRL sides and London Broncos.

He has been released from his current role as Gold Coast Titans assistant coach after beating off competition from Glenn Morrison, Scott Naylor and a raft of other applicants.

Morrison and Naylor both made their interest known along with Melbourne academy manager Matt Adamson, but Manly assistant coach John Cartwright did not apply.

Bulls managing director Steve Ferres said: “It’s fair to say the list of applicants ran well into double figures with three or four applicants from overseas.

“It was more about the quality than the quantity and we have appointed somebody who has been operating at NRL level, where he is highly regarded for his work in offence and defence.

“Rohan has a great understanding of what we want and is coming over with the mentality of an NRL coach – not a Super League or Championship coach.

“Without being disrespectful to our own game, that gives us more of an edge to get us to where we want to be.

“If Rohan can set those standards and the players here prove themselves capable of reaching those standards, then I’m sure we can get back to where we need to be in the game.

“He comes highly recommended by Matty Elliott and is going to be one of the new kids on the block.”

Smith is waiting on a visa but is expected to arrive in the UK in the next fortnight, with Matt Diskin likely to remain in interim charge for the visit of Swinton next Sunday.

Smith, whose wife and baby will join him in the coming weeks, will assess the current coaching and backroom staff during the rest of the season but will not make any changes for the time being.

Smith, who turned 35 yesterday, 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.

“I was fortunate enough to start coaching at a young age.

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

Meanwhile, Mitch Clark and Kurt Haggerty have been charged with Grade A punching along with London’s Nick Slyney following last week’s clash.

If found guilty, all three players could potentially serve one-match suspensions.

Dale Ferguson has not been charged following an incident that saw him sinbinned for using his head in a challenge as footage of the incident was inconclusive.