Tonight Lee Smith will make his much speculated Rugby League return in the highly anticipated Yorkshire derby between Leeds Rhinos & Bradford Bulls.This Yorkshire derby kicks off the frantic Easter period that captivates every league fan year in year out. Tomorrow, Good Friday, St. Helens clash with league leader Wigan preceded by the only true derby that exists in Super League as East meets West on Humberside at New Craven Park.
The Rhinos welcome the return of their much missed skipper Kevin Sinfield after a four match absence with a leg injury. Kylie Leuluai and Brett Delaney also return following the defeat away to Wigan last Friday.
The Bulls will make a last minute decision on whether or not to include Captain Andy Lynch, who will have to prove to coach Steve McNamara that he has shaken off an ankle injury.
McNamara is also left with the dilemma of whether or not to recall full-back Dave Halley or continue with Brett Kearney who wore the number one shirt for their 19-12 victory over struggling Harlequins.
Before his departure from the club Smith, at the age of just 23 had already racked up 102 appearances with the Headingley club. He completed his move from Premiership Rugby Union side London Wasps on Wednesday and Coach Brian McClennan has wasted no time in including him the squad for this evening’s game.
The England international centre had spent just four months at the High Wycombe based club and following just two senior appearances, against Newcastle Falcons & Scarlets, along with two representative games for the A team he has switch codes again.
The release from his contracted at Wasps comes as a result of personal reasons.
Upon his return to Leeds he said: “It’s a dream come true to get another opportunity to play for the Rhinos and pull of a blue and amber shirt again”.
London Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks added: “Everyone at Wasps wishes him the very best in the next stage of his career”
