Grand Final hero Lee Smith was today set to be handed his ticket to Australia.
Smith was expected to be included in England coach Tony Smith's World Cup squad, three days after being named man of the match for Leeds Rhinos in their engage Super League Grand Final triumph over St Helens.
The 22-year-old former Drighlington am
ateur has played most of his rugby for Leeds on the wing, but was at full-back in the Old Trafford success.
England have a wing vacancy after Hull's ex-Leeds flier Gareth Raynor withdrew from World Cup contention due to injury and Tony Smith is keen to take a player who could also provide cover for Paul Wellens at full-back.
Smith's Grand Final performance – and his two tries in the previous week's final eliminator win over Wigan Warriors – look to have assured his Rhinos future.
The
Yorkshire Evening Post understands Wigan were considering a transfer swoop for Smith, who is under contract at Headingley Carnegie, but his recent performances have ended any prospect of a move.
Meanwhile, Rhinos' attempt to sign Sydney City Roosters' Kiwi international centre Sia Soliola has hit a snag.
The Super League champions have targeted Soliola as a replacement for Clinton Toopi, who was released from his contract in August due to injury, with Jordan Tansey moving to Sydney in exchange.
The Tansey part of the deal was completed last week, but Soliola's representatives are unwilling for the player to become involved in a swap and may now block his move.
The full article contains 263 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
