"Football Superstar is an ideal show for me," said Smith, who has been dating Minogue since 2008. "Having played sport professionally all my life, I really admire and relate to what the series sets out to achieve.

"Now that I have retired from sport, it's a real honour to be able to use the knowledge and motivational skills that I have learnt over the years and impart some of that to a new generation of hungry young players.

"Growing up in the UK, I have football in my blood, and while I made a professional choice to play rugby league, I played football as a youngster and am a huge fan of the world game, supporting my beloved Manchester United whom I follow religiously."

The former Leeds rugby star began his full-time professional career at just 14, playing for a number of high profile UK clubs before going on to represent Great Britain against France in 1997. A trained physical education teacher, persistent injuries forced him to retire in 2008, when he embarked on a new career in modelling.

Fox Sports presenter Lee Furlong will return for the third series of Football Superstar and is looking forward to sharing the hosting duties with Kris.

"I have a huge amount of respect for Kris. His playing experience makes him a perfect fit for the show and he has a very easy-going, natural approach which is really important in this position," she said. "I have no doubt the contestants will be inspired by him both on and off the field."

After the success of Football Superstar at Sydney FC in series one and Melbourne Victory last time, Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou will put the 15 hopefuls through their paces this year, with the winner landing a contract with the Roar and a one year University of Queensland scholarship.