Spotlight on Leeds Rhinos’ in-form back-rower Cameron Smith

LEEDS RHINOS were back in training today to begin preparations for their Betfred Super League return against Huddersfield Giants in 20 days’ time.
Leeds Rhinos' Cameron Smith. 
Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Leeds Rhinos' Cameron Smith. 
Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Leeds Rhinos' Cameron Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

As the countdown continues, the Yorkshire Evening Post turns its spotlight on a player who was a stand-out performer before coronavirus brought the competition to a halt in March, 21-year-old forward Cameron Smith.

Attributes:

Throughout his junior career Smith, a product of the Castleford Panthers club, was rated as one of the best prospects in the English game.

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Rhinos haven’t rushed him and he has yet to play more than 20 games in a season, but the England academy and Knights back-rower is beginning to fulfil his potential.

A traditional ball-handling loose-forward, he is also versatile, having played for Leeds at stand-off and being able to fill in as a centre, hooker or in the second-row.

Smith, who made 61 tackles in the round one loss to Hull, can attack the line himself, but also has the ability to put a team-mate away with a smart pass and has impressed with his work ethic.

Defining moment:

Cameron Smith in training. 
Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Cameron Smith in training. 
Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Cameron Smith in training. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

Smith was bitterly disappointed to miss out on the 2018 England Knights tour to Papua New Guinea.

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He put that behind him when he was selected for the second-string international side which beat Jamaica at Headingley last autumn.

Best season:

This year – remarkably, his fifth at Super League level – is shaping up to be that. Though two of his appearances have been off the bench, Smith has taken advantage of Trent Merrin’s departure to stake a claim to be Rhinos’ first-choice loose-forward.

Cameron Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Cameron Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Cameron Smith. Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

Concerns:

It has taken Smith some time to adjust to playing against opponents as big as he is, but now he has got to grips with that he looks capable of going a long way.

Value:

Rhinos rate Smith highly, as proved by the three-year contract he signed in March. Another of the young crop the club hope to build their team around over the next decade, he still has lots to prove, but is on the right track.

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