SQUASH TO BOSH

Agar: I won’t be court out this time by pal Smith

2.45pm

RICHARD AGAR knows all about the mind games of Hull KR coach Tony Smith – on the squash court as well as the rugby field.

The pair are friends from the days when Smith ( top, right) was in charge at Leeds and invited aspiring coach Agar (top, left) to spend time at Headingley. They later worked together at Warrington.

They are on opposite sides this afternoon, with Agar now in charge of the Rhinos and looking to be more successful against Smith than he has been at racquet sports.

Agar said: “The only problem playing Tony is he tries to head work you on the squash court. We’ve had some battles on the court over the years, but not for a while.

“The games are less and less now, mainly because we’re both probably not in the peak fitness we were at one stage in our lives.

“Tony will tell you different but he probably had my measure. It was always close but every three or four games I’d win one and he’d win two or three.” Agar’s men were emphatic winners when the teams met last weekend, dumping the Robins out of the Challenge Cup 48-18.

Whi le Rovers’ season is effectively over, the Rhinos are still chasing both major trophies in the revamped campaign.

Smith has overseen a change in approach at Hull KR that offered hope beyond this season and Agar is convinced he is the right man to take them forward. He said: “I really believe Tony’s values and beliefs on rugby league will stand the test of time. Some of his fundamental views are very true to what rugby league should be in my opinion.”