'We'll give everything': Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith's vow ahead of crucial Castleford Tigers derby

Both teams go into Saturday’s clash knowing victory will secure a place in the play-offs, but the losers’ season will be over.

Rhinos have billed their final game of the regular campaign as the biggest at Headingley since a 2017 play-off semi-final against Hull.

And Smith, who has transformed Rhinos from easy-beats to challengers since taking charge in May, insisted: “This is exactly what you get involved in sport for, to be contesting the big moments.

“The season has created a lot of twists and turns in most clubs so it has been a great finish to the regular season and there’s none better than do or die.”

There are no second chances, but Smith feels his men are already hardened to knockout rugby.

“We’ve been playing sudden-death for weeks, or even months,” he said.

“Every game has been vital for us so we are kind of familiar with that approach.

“There’s a bit more at stake this week, it’s the last chance to play for a play-off spot so we are excited by that opportunity.

“It would be a good achievement given where the club was earlier in the season, but it’s also what everyone sets out to do every pre-season.

“Every club says they want to be in the play-offs so nothing has changed over the course of the season and we are in a great position now to do that.”

Smith is aware Tigers will be taking the same all or nothing approach.

He added: “It’s going to be a massive clash, it’s a derby game with everything at stake.

“We are expecting everything they’ve got, we will give everything we’ve got and we’ll see what happens as the game goes.”

Home advantage could be crucial for Rhinos who lost their opening five games at Headingley this year before a draw with Huddersfield Giants in April, but have won all seven since then.

“It’s a unique place to watch a game and to be part of a game,” Smith - who is unbeaten at Headingley - said.

“There’s no place like it so we are expecting plenty of people to be here, to make plenty of noise and make it a great occasion.”