Rohan Smith is expecting a major test when Leeds Rhinos host Super League play-off rivals Salford Red Devils at Headingley on Sunday. Paul Rowley’s men have been the surprise package of the competition this season and lie a point above the Rhinos ahead of this weekend’s showdown.
Leeds sare buzzing after their stunning comeback win at Catalans Dragons last Saturday, while Salford arrive on the back of a remarkable demolition of St Helens. Head coach Smith said: “Salford clearly executed very well last week against the best team in the competition, so they have a lot of belief in what they're doing.
“They’ve been building that for a long period of time and trying to fly under the radar but they certainly aren't under our radar. They’re a dangerous team that believe in what they do, so we’re going to have to be very good.
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“I think Salford’s biggest strength is the team and belief in each other and the way they go about things. They’re bringing out the best in the individual, because they're very team orientated. They play a good style and they work hard and they scramble hard.”
Rowley has recruited shrewdly and estimates that Salford are the lowest spenders in Super League. Smith added: “I don't think anyone looks too much into who spends what because that's really irrelevant in a competition.
“It's about doing the best you can with what you have and they're certainly doing that. They're really a great example of what a team is.”
Red Devils centre Tim Lafai was a pivotal figure when his team destroyed Saints last weekend while half-back Brodie Croft was recently hailed by Rowley as the best half-back in Super League. Smith recalled: “Tim nearly came to the [Gold Coast] Titans actually when I was coaching there.
“But I’ve tracked his career and I've coached against him a little bit. I don't know the guy but he's a he's a quality player and he's in good form – he’s very athletic.
“Lots of footie comes off the back of his carries and he’s a threat to the scoreboard as well. Brodie’s playing really well too. He looks like he's found a place where he's happy and he's getting the opportunity to play, so he’s been a real threat on a weekly basis.”
Victory over Salford would be another massive boost to a Leeds side who have won six games in 10 outings since Smith arrived.
Yet the former Bradford Bulls boss insisted: “I'm not a table watcher at all. If it's there, you know, occasionally I have seen it but I don't go out of my way to check it.
“It makes no difference to me and how the prep goes. Every game is huge. And that'll be the case this weekend. “Whether we're first or last in the future as well, it's about planning well. But this week is always going to be the priority.”
Hulking forward Zane Tetevano is available again after serving a five-match suspension following a red card against St Helens. Smith said: “Zane is in decent shape has obviously been out for a while, but in those five weeks he's always been dedicated.
“He's easily be the most conscientious and diligent trainer that we have at this club. He preps for the session. He recovers from the sessions like very few others I've come across in my time. He's extremely professional in that regard, so he'll be ready to play well.”
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