TONY SMITH WOLVES’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says he is pleased with Richard Agar’s contribution so far.

Agar stepped down as head coach of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats last summer and started with Wolves in November.

“He’s been great. For a quality coach like Rich to join our staff is a great coup for the club,” said Smith.

“He’s very experienced at head coaching and to be able to come here and support me and the team in the way that he has and settle in is fantastic.

“We’ve been mates for a number of years and respect one another.

“We’ve always had a good relationship that working together wouldn’t be an issue. It’s been far from that, it’s been fantastic.

“He adds things, some of the skills drills we do and different ideas he brings to the outfit and to the coaching staff.

“Some of that is Rich challenging, questioning and having input for me, but some of that filters through to the players as well and his ideas on how we should play.

“We’ve got a similar sort of philosophy in many respects but each coach is different and each coach adds a little to the mix. Rich has added not just a little but a whole lot.”

Smith added: “He’s really freshened me up.

“He’s brought freshness to the training park as well.

“He’s a different voice and sometimes players can get stale or comfortable with the same voice over and over, so it’s important I keep them fresh by introducing different staff members.

“They’ve certainly responded really positively.”