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Leeds Rhinos: Lee Smith can carve a Rhinos legacy – Brian McClennan
Departing star Lee Smith is facing a "challenge" to end his Leeds Rhinos career on a high.
Rhinos boss Brian McClennan today said the way Smith performs over the next four months will determine how he is remembered by his team-mates and fans.
Smith announced last month that he will quit Rhinos when his contract expires at the end of this season.
He is expected to take up a long-term contract with Guinness Premiership rugby union outfit London Wasps.
McClennan, who gave Smith the coach's award for his performance in the win over Bradford Bulls a week ago, said he is pleased with the way the player has handled the situation so far.
"He has made his decision to go and how he finishes the season with us this year is how he will be remembered," McClennan said. "I would like to see him finish well, the way Nick Scruton and Gareth Ellis finished with the Rhinos last year.
"They finished here with the respect of their team-mates and the coaching
staff, because they worked really hard and they were involved in a Grand Final win.
"You really are remembered by how you finish at a club and we have got a lot of respect for both those players.
"From what I saw of Lee against Bradford last week, I thought to myself, you have earned my respect and I know he earned the respect of his team-mates.
"He was very good in defence and attack – he was probably our most consistent player throughout the game.
"He came up with some good reads on defence and when he went to full-back he slotted into that really quickly and that kept things going for us."
McClennan added: "He has got to keep working hard and the challenge for him is to finish on a high.
"He is doing that and, if he continues, he is going to finish his time here with a lot of respect."
McClennan said he is confident Smith will use his impending departure as positive motivation.
"The club means a lot to him," said the coach.
"He has had some wonderful times here and some successes. He's keen to finish this chapter of his life in a positive way and that is the way to go.
"The way people are in any organisation and emotions they show are contagious – one person can ignite a feeling.
"I like the way he played against Bradford and I think that will be a catalyst for others to kick on."
Smith is likely to swtich from centre to full-back when Leeds travel to Hull tomorrow, in place of injury victim Brent Webb.
Hooker Matt Diskin, pictured, is included in the initial 19-man squad after missing the last two games with a neck problem.
Back-rower Simon Worrall is also in contention and centre Mike Ratu has been drafted in.
Ratu has made only one senior appearance for Rhinos, two years ago, but McClennan said: "He has been playing really well in reserve grade and he deserves his chance."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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