AFTER a wide-ranging and at times messy search, Jake White's determination to introduce a rugby league flavour to his team's defensive structure has seen former Roosters coach Brian Smith added to the Brumbies' coaching staff for the 2013 Super Rugby season.
The debacle surrounding Newcastle skipper Danny Buderus's appointment and subsequent backflip left a bitter taste in the mouths of many at the Brumbies. Privately, however, they believe the entire affair - which saw the NRL stop Buderus from coaching a rugby union team while still playing rugby league a day after he announced his role in Canberra - may turn out to be a blessing in disguise after securing Smith's services.
Smith failed to win a first grade premiership during a rugby league coaching career spanning more than two decades and including stints at Illawarra, St George, Newcastle, Parramatta and the Roosters. But Smith has a track record of working well with young players.
Given White will again lead one of the most inexperienced squads in Super Rugby next season, Smith's style would appear a perfect fit.
"I don't think I am too different from too many long-term coaches out there ... watching young players grow and learn the game at that level and being able to help guide them on that path, that is certainly one of the most rewarding parts of the job," Smith said.
"I can't say that was part of my consideration though. But clearly working and developing young players and bringing them through a system is something that is part of Jake's philosophy on coaching that we share.
"I am very much working in a support role, helping where I can within the structures Jake already has in place."
With Laurie Fisher overseeing the work in and around the breakdown, Smith will focus on refining the Brumbies' defensive line and improving the players' tackling technique.
"I have only been down for the one session but I'm actually quite excited about the role now," Smith said. "It is something really different for me - all the players were really receptive and enthusiastic about the work we were doing so that was really encouraging. I'm at a point now where I am open to these sorts of opportunities."
Since being axed by the Roosters after their horror showing in 2012, Smith has been making the most of some rare down time.
"It's been a while since I wasn't involved in preseason training at this time of year, so I have been concentrating very hard on my fishing and renovating," Smith said with a laugh. "Look, I have had a few similar-type offers from overseas, but I just hadn't been in the right place to consider them seriously."
Meanwhile, Test rugby league player James Tamou has spurned offers from rival NRL clubs to re-sign with North Queensland until the end of 2016. The imposing front-rower, who established himself as one of the NRL's elite forwards in 2012 by making his Test and NSW Origin debuts, was being chased by several clubs including wooden-spooner Parramatta.
But the 24-year-old chose to stick with the club he debuted for in 2009, admitting he felt he owed it to the Cowboys for the faith they showed in him when he signed from the Sydney Roosters in 2009.
Additional reporting: AAP
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