Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith ‘surprised’ this Super League player has not got an NRL deal

When Leeds Rhinos appointed Rohan Smith as their new head coach in May, a few eyebrows were raised.

Smith had enjoyed a short spell at Bradford Bulls as well as a number of years at the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup, but Super League experience was vitally missing.

After a slow start to life at Headingley, Leeds clearly benefitted from a week off for the Challenge Cup Final as they reappeared energised and determined, inflicting a huge 40-4 defeat on Warrington Wolves.

Now, Smith and his Rhinos face Huddersfield Giants on Friday night – and the Australian is wary of the threats posed to his side – particularly from one player who he believes is more than good enough for an NRL deal.

“Tui Lolohea has a lot of try assists and the less predictable stuff comes through him,” Smith said.

“They are very much a team and play good with chemistry, Danny Levi is an exceptional dummy-half player as well.

“I’m surprised he has not got a deal in the NRL – he’s a great competitor, very tough and fit and drives his team’s energy.

“He is a player people love playing with, but he is very much Huddersfield’s gain.”

Friday night’s game will be a measure of how far Smith has taken this Leeds side so far since taking the reins especially when considering that Huddersfield have been one of the teams to beat in 2022 under Ian Watson.