Brian Smith leaves Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Brian Smith has resigned as head coach of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats after just five matches of the Super League season.

Australian Smith joined Wakefield in May and helped the club avoid relegation by beating Bradford Bulls 24-16 in the Million Pound play-off game.

He then signed a one-year deal to remain in the role last October, but Wakefield have struggled again in the early stages of this??campaign.

The Wildcats are 10th in Super League having won just once and Wakefield confirmed Smith's resignation in a statement on their official website.

Smith, who has also coached Hull FC and Bradford in England, saw his side concede eight tries in a 42-28 defeat at home to Catalans Dragons on Saturday in what proved to be his final match in charge.

The club said a media conference would be held on Wednesday, with no comment made on the search for a successor to Smith.??