Hull KR boss Tony Smith returns to the scene of one of his favourite rugby league memories - hoping to forge a new one.
He was Leeds Rhinos chief when they conquered NRL champions Canterbury Bulldogs in the 2005 World Club Challenge at Elland Road. The Robins face Huddersfield at Leeds United's famous ground in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday which prompted questions for Smith about that marvellous night 17 years ago.
Leeds, having won their maiden Super League title a few months previously, prospered 39-32 in an epic contest witnessed by a bumper crowd of 37,208. Led by Kevin Sinfield, with Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Jamie Jones-Buchahan all among the try-scorers, Rhinos held off a second half comeback from a Bulldogs side featuring a young Sonny Bill Williams.
Ex-England coach Smith recalled: “It was a special night. That one really sticks in my memory bank - and not many things do stick there any more. We did such a fantastic job in the first half: we were smashing Canterbury, a team that I grew up watching a lot back home in Australia.
“Having played against them numerous times, to be crowned world champions over them was awesome. From memory, the second half was nervy. But it was a fantastic game of rugby league with some unbelievable tries scored. I love entertaining rugby league and some games stick for those reasons.”
Smith won a second Grand Final with Leeds in 2017 before lifting the Challenge Cup three times with Warrington Wolves. He is now in his final season with Hull KR who have not won the Cup since 1980.
Asked if getting them to the final would match those 2005 exploits against Canterbury, Smith replied: “I would hope so.
“But let's not get drawn into thinking that far ahead. We understand what the repercussions of a good performance are, and is that a big driver for us? Absolutely.
"We want to think we can be in that final, we want to believe that. If that's what can drive us into doing the extra things that are needed, then fantastic.”
