Lewis delighted to sign former Rhinos star
HUDDERSFIELD have once more bolstered their back line for the title race in National League North Two with the signing of former Leeds Rhinos star Lee Smith.
The 32-year-old featured in Super League as a utility back, racking up more than 200 League appearances, and eight for England.
While playing at Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Centurions, Smith flirted with both codes as he had short-lived spells with London Wasps and Newcastle Falcons in rugby union.
But his best work was undoubtedly done in a Rhinos jersey, most notably at Old Trafford, where he scored a try in two successive Super League Grand Final victories over St Helens.
His flexibility in the back line came in to play when having to slot in at fullback in the 2008 Grand Final.
This after he scored the matchwinning try against Wigan in the semifinals to lead his team to the Final.
With eight games remaining in the season, head coach Gareth Lewis is glad to welcome a character of the likes of Smith. He said: “Lee expressed an interest in joining the club, and the players have welcomed him into the group.
“By his own admission Lee needs to improve his conditioning but you can see his quality straight away.
“Despite his amazing record in rugby league, Lee was prepared to play for our second team last week. He earned his stripes and he did well. I believe this speaks volumes of his character, our club culture and shows why it is a great place to play and support National league rugby.”
Smith himself is geared up for the title fight and believes that they could be on the verge of ‘something special’.
He said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Huddersfield and excited to get out and play some rugby again.
“The team have put themselves in a position to achieve something special this season and, hopefully, I can help them finish as high as possible in the league.
“I’d like to thank Gaz and the boys for making me feel welcome the past couple of weeks and I can’t wait to get started.”