Rohan Smith believes Leeds Rhinos' victory over the World Club champions will instil new-found belief across to club. Blake Austin's late drop goal saw the Rhinos open their account for the season and in style as they overcame St Helens 25-24.
It came off back-to-back defeats at the start of the season which had the potential to dent confidence in the opening stages. But Smith stated that the win should be the platform for a strong run of performances.
"I'm not surprised we were able to really push them and find the way to win," he said. "I'm not surprised and I have a lot of belief in our team. But you have to bring it out and we haven't brought it out so far. Tonight wasn't without blemish, we haven't played a perfect game. But we played hard and had a go at creating opportunities from our own half."
Read more: Kruise Leeming injury update as Leeds Rhinos star helped off in St Helens win
He added: "They're very hard to beat, they have been for a long time through a couple of different coaches and there are some twists and additions to how they'll play this year. I think the players will take something out of that for sure and remind our supporter base we can still play despite two results. The fans that were here tonight and I'm sure a few are shouting through the screen, hopefully that reinforces that tonight."
Smith took a long pause for thought when asked about the decision to award Leeds a penalty when Jack Welsby ran in to protest an alleged shoulder charge by Sam Walters. After gathering his thoughts, he said: "I'm told last year that clubs were warned if anyone ran in to escalate the situation action would be taken. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn't."
On Walters, who made a big impact on his first appearance of the season, he added: "He's been waiting his turn, he suffered a couple of niggles and a bit of illness that allowed others to get the jump on him and selected in the first couple of rounds. He's waited his turn and did well tonight, he made a difference. He's got plenty he's working on but there's plenty of belief in Sam from the coaching staff and his teammates do as well. It was great to see him come up with some big plays."
House of League is the newest rugby league podcast which will feature some of the biggest names and tackle some of the biggest topics. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
Read next
Paul Wellens' view on major referee calls after St Helens' defeat to Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos player ratings as Aidan Sezer demonstrates quality in famous win
Highlights as last-gasp drop goal gives Leeds Rhinos famous win over St Helens
The incredible lengths Warrington Wolves reached to sign Matty Ashton behind Wigan Warriors' back
Keanan Brand dumped from Love Island as Leigh Leopards star departs after six days
