ROHAN Smith will take charge of his first game as Bulls boss at Sheffield tonight – and then head to Newcastle in search of potential signings.

The 35-year-old Australian is keen to get to grips with the British game as quickly as possible and will take in a number of Super League matches at the Magic Weekend.

Smith said: "Obviously I've spent a lot of time watching NRL, New South Wales Cup, Queensland Cup and under-20s in recent times, so it's just a matter of getting up to speed with the Championship and the Super League as well.

"There is nothing better than getting out to games and watching guys play live because it's much better than video. I'm looking forward to going to Newcastle as a rugby league fan as much as anything because I love the game.

"It's like a research weekend for me – watching teams and different individuals play, seeing who might be available, meeting people and just making myself known.

"It's about getting my head around the English game as quickly as I can. First and foremost I can't wait to take charge of my first game at Sheffield and am excited just thinking about it."

Smith held one-on-one meetings with his players this week and revealed talks with some members of the squad lasted five minutes while others, with Richie Mathers for example, took closer to an hour.

The Aussie is aware of the need to recruit a scrum half ahead of the middle eights and said: "I've had a lot of English-based names thrown at me in the past couple of days who might be available on short- or long-term deals.

"I've also been scouting in Australia but the qualification criteria is quite difficult, plus I'm also very conscious of not just signing anybody.

"It needs to be for the right reasons and someone who is going to come in and make an immediate impact for us. From the footage I've seen, the team operates pretty well regardless of who has been playing at scrum half.

"The back-rowers such as Danny Addy, Jay Pitts and Kurt Haggerty are really skilful, so there is a different dynamic to the team which takes a little bit of pressure from having the traditional-style scrum half.

"We will be looking for players who are going to improve us; not just scrum halves but right across the board."

Addy and Mitch Clark look certain to join Hull KR next season while Dale Ferguson has been lined up for a return to Huddersfield, who are also believed to be showing interest in Lee Gaskell.

Smith, meanwhile, has barely stopped to draw breath since arriving six days ago and his hectic week shows no sign of slowing down with trips to Sheffield and Newcastle looming.

The son of former Bradford boss Brian Smith said: "It's awesome to be back and the last few days have been hectic to say the least, but in a good way.

"Everyone has been really welcoming and greeted me with a smile and a very positive attitude, so it's great to be part of a great club.

"It was great to see the boys put in such a strong performance against Swinton on Sunday and I got a great first impression because they did themselves proud. Hopefully that can continue against Sheffield tonight."

Meanwhile, Sheffield have axed Mitch Stringer and Michael Knowles as captain and vice-captain, replacing them with Steve Thorpe and Quentin Laulu Togagae respectively.

It follows the Eagles' disappointing start to the season and boss Mark Aston said: "We are in a hole at the moment and myself and the backroom team are trying to help lift the performances of all the players to get out of this hole. I believe this decision will help with this.

"It gives us a new, different direction in terms of leadership, both on and off the field. Steve (Thorpe) had a great opening season last year with the club before he broke his leg against Widnes in the Super 8's.

"He won a number of awards at our end-of-season awards evening and is a natural leader.

"QLT (Quentin Laulu Togagae) has been with the club since 2011 and is great; a passionate character to have around the place.

"The move allows Michael and Mitch to focus on their individual performances and takes away that extra, added pressure and anxiety that can come with being a captain or vice-captain.

"I'm confident Steve and QLT will fully embrace the added responsibility and help motivate the squad. A place in the top four is still not out of the question and we will continue to work towards achieving that."