Smith's 30-year league career may be over

Australia's former England coach Tony Smith says he may end a three-decade association with rugby league when he steps down as Warrington coach.

Former St George and Illawarra playmaker Tony Smith says he may quit rugby league altogether when he leaves Warrington at the end of the season.

The 50-year-old Australian is stepping down after almost nine years in charge of Warrington, whom he guided to three Challenge Cup final triumphs and two Grand Final appearances, and is not guaranteed to take a new job, claiming interest in rugby league is dwindling.

"I wouldn't be excited about jumping into anything in rugby league just at the moment," the former Huddersfield and Leeds boss told BBC Radio Manchester. "I'd love to see some changes before I could get excited about the game as a whole.

"The game is becoming less attractive. But that is my vibe on it. I am not bitter because I am finishing at Warrington, I've felt like this for a few years now.

"I'm not sure that we are growing much as a sport. I think the sport is dwindling and we need some freshness and excitement about the way we promote it."

Smith played 40 matches with the Steelers between 1987 and 1991 before heading to the Dragons, where he played in the 1992 grand final loss under the coaching of brother Brian.

He remained with St George until 1995.


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Source: AAP



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