Rohan Smith speaks on Brad Dwyer and Liam Sutcliffe as he reveals selection decision

On Friday night Rohan Smith will host his uncle Tony Smith as his Leeds Rhinos side take on Hull FC.

Not only is it something of a family feud, but it will also be the return of Challenge Cup winners with the Rhinos Brad Dwyer and Liam Sutcliffe to Headingley.

Speaking of the duo, who were let go by Rohan Smith, the Leeds coach said:

“They will offer the same strike as they did when they played for us.

“I know those guys love playing at Headingley, I can’t imagine that will change because the jersey changes.

“They will be excited to play here as is everyone who comes to Headingley.”

Speaking of Headingley, he also highlighted the importance of winning at home. Smith hasn’t lost at Headingley in a competitive game as Leeds boss:

“It is very important and it is to every team that wants to be successful. Our fans are unbelievable. It is important to get the home season started well.”

But to keep that record, he will have to mastermind a win over his uncle and his Hull FC side.

Of their win over Castleford, Smith said:

“I think every game is its own existence. We understand the players they have, they are forming their own identity under a new coach as are we after lots of changes to our roster.

“Last week was an exciting game for the neutral.

“They looked relaxing moving the ball, kicking when they have an opportunity, much like many of Tony’s teams as far as mentality goes. It is too early to tell what their identity is going to be but they have shown some real strike.”

Smith also explained why Cameron Smith only started on the bench last week:

“I thought it was the best way to go based on his pre-season. He wasn’t ready to play 80 minutes. So I thought it was the best way to go so we didn’t have to take him off.”

This came as he confirmed Kruise Leeming will again start over Jarrod O’Connor at nine.