Last Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:41
Tony Smith has resigned as England coach - a day after his side's 46-16 Gillette Four Nations final defeat by Australia.
The Australian-born 42-year-old, who had combined the role with head coaching duties at Warrington this season, confirmed to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm stepping down... even if we had won last night I'd still have stepped down."
Smith was appointed as coach of England in March 2007 and his contract was set to expire at the end of 2009.
A dejected Smith argued the Kangaroos' ability to score "special tries" had swung a thrilling Elland Road showdown on Saturday and said he felt for his crestfallen players.
He added: "Scoreline-wise we are disappointed. I'm not sure if it really reflects the game.
"It probably reflects some of the special individuals Australia have.
"They have the ability to score special tries and they did that at the end - that blew the scoreline out."