Rohan Smith on Zane Tetevano’s future at Leeds Rhinos following another monster ban

Leeds Rhinos’ Zane Tetevano faces yet another ban after being charged with a Grade D Strike on St Helens’ Konrad Hurrell during Leeds’ heavy defeat last Thursday night.

The former Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters forward could be given a five-match suspension if he is found guilty by an Operation Rules Tribunal tomorrow night following a dangerous hit on Hurrell as the Saints centre chipped through the line.

Tetevano has had a long line of disciplinary issues whilst at the West Yorkshire club, not least in his first Challenge Cup in a Leeds shirt last year when he was sent off for a late tackle.

However, Leeds boss Rohan Smith reveals he is not frustrated with Tetevano and that he still has a future at Headingley.

“This is the first incident in my time with Zane so I can only speak for myself here,” Smith said.

“It was the state of the game where there wasn’t any need for aggression or intent in that moment. I actually feel like he has been in control and played good steady rugby in the time I’ve been here.

“Zane is contracted and some thing happen in a contact sport. Zane’s was a situation with a big, strong player in your area but he applied the technique not at the right time.”

Smith also had his say on Bodene Thompson’s and James Bentley’s yellow cards.

“Each case is its own and each people needs to be treated as an individual. Bodene’s was 100% an accident and a reactionary thing when he got wrong-footed.

“James’ case wasn’t an aggressive action and just a bit of silliness at the end of the game. It was frustration.”