Smith linked with Warrington role

The Wolves, bottom of engage Super League after losing their three opening matches, have called an "extraordinary" press conference this afternoon to outline their future plans.

That is expected to take the form of a backroom re-shuffle, with Smith returning to club football and working alongside under-pressure coach James Lowes.

The inexperienced Lowes, who talked openly this week about the possibility of getting the sack, will attend the press conference, which suggests he will remain on the coaching staff in some capacity.

Smith and former Great Britain captain and coach Ellery Hanley have both been linked with the Warrington job in the past.

The 42-year-old Smith, who enjoyed success with both Huddersfield and Leeds, has made no secret of his desire to return to club coaching when his contract with the Rugby Football League runs out at the end of the Four Nations tournament in November.

He could make that move now, although it may mean him having to relinquish his day job - his role as technical director with the RFL - and the England post reverting to a part-time position.

Smith appointed Lowes to his England backroom staff in 2007 but the former Bradford and Great Britain hooker relinquished that role ahead of the World Cup in order to concentrate on his new position at Warrington.

The Wolves have lost their last eight matches going back to last August and were booed off the pitch following their recent home defeat by Catalans Dragons.

Ironically, their next match is against champions Leeds Rhinos, Smith's former club, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.