Brian Smith

Brian Smith, Head Coach of the Sydney Roosters, arrived in this position in 2009 with a reputation as a strict disciplinarian. He had a track record of pulling wayward players into line and of making unpopular cuts to the playing roster.

In 2010, he took the team Sydney Roosters from 2009’s wooden spoon to the Grand Final and in the same year, he was awarded Dally M Coach of the Year.

Previously, in his first year as the passionate Head Coach of the Newcastle Knights, he faced a barrage of bad press and hostile reactions from parochial fans when he axed ten players. However, three seasons later, Smith had taken Newcastle from wooden spoon favourites to premiership contenders.

Brian Smith’s commitment to driving his teams to the next level and building a team combination of established players and youthful talent has earned widespread praise throughout the football community.

One of the most experienced coaches in the NRL, Brian Smith played 14 first grade games for St. George (1974) and 17 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, (1975-1979) appearing in a total of 31 first grade games. He also played for Port Kembla in 1977.

However, Brian Smith is best known as an inspiring, motivational and strategic coach, having been at the helm of Illawarra Steelers, Hull FC, St George Dragons, Bradford Bulls, Parramatta Eels, the Newcastle Knights and now the Sydney Roosters.

As the longest serving coach of Parramatta from 1997 until 2006, he guided the Eels to eight of nine Club Championships. Over a long and successful career, he took his teams to the final series ten times in 1992-3, 1995, 1997-2002 and 2005.

Brian Smith’s coaching achievements include the Premiership final with Hull 1989; Consecutive Grand Finals with St George 1992-93; Parramatta Grand Final 2001; Dally M Coach of the year 2001; Longest serving Parramatta Coach.