The Serbian Rugby League Federation have recruited the services of current Wakefield-Trinity Wildcats coach, Brian Smith, to act as an advisor as the nation prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.

Smith brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Serbian Rugby League, starting his first grade-coaching career with the Illawarra Steelers back in 1984.

Smith was in Serbia to assist the national team as part of their upcoming tour of Australia. The Australian tour will run from January 28 – February 8 with the visiting Serbians to play a series of games on the tour, including against the Philippines national team on February 5.

The tour will represent the first time a Serbian Rugby League team has visited Australia. Rugby League was first introduced into Serbia in 1953, however was later banned in the country in 1964. The sport returned in 2001 with the Serbian failing to qualify for the 2008 and 2013 World Cups.

Serbia will take part in the European Qualifiers for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in October, joining the likes of Wales, Ireland, Russia, Italy and Spain who will all fight it out for the remaining three spots.

Smith will assist with the Serbian’s preparations for this tournament working with the existing Serbia coaching staff.