Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith will join the England coaching set-up for rugby league's Four Nations in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Smith will act as a mentor to Steve McNamara, who was appointed England coach on Wednesday.

"Working with England is not something I ever saw myself doing but I feel honoured to be involved," Smith said.

"My first goal is to bring whatever Steve McNamara requires of me - if I have it - and help him with the day-to-day aspects of coaching.

"I'll also be updating Steve with the general trends in coaching Down Under and keeping him informed about the players in Australia and New Zealand."

Smith's role will be similar to that of fellow Australian Wayne Bennett, who helped New Zealand in their successful 2008 World Cup campaign.

He will only become hands-on during the Four Nations tournament in October and November.

Former Great Britain forward McNamara said he had sought the help of Smith, who was his coach at Hull and Bradford.

Bradford coach McNamara was assistant to Smith's younger brother Tony, who vacated the England post after their defeat by Australia in last year's Four Nations final.

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