Rohan Smith has had a baptism of fire since becoming Leeds Rhinos head coach.
He took over a side that had improved under interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan, but one still short on confidence.
That lack of confidence was evident as Leeds went down 23-8 to the Salford Red Devils last weekend.
In that game, new signing Zak Hardaker played at centre, but Smith has teased a potential positional change for the former Wigan Warriors man.
“We’ve got a lot of versatility around our spine players and Zak Hardaker being able to play multiple positions but the personnel won’t be much different,” Smith said.
“He has gone well, he had a disrupted four or six weeks with the change of club and health things, but for anyone to deal with it would be tough.
“He did a competent job last week to get the ball rolling on the back of that difficult prep, but he’s recovered well and certainly had a spring in his step yesterday.
“He had to start somewhere last week and he had a decent game.”
Tomorrow night’s fixture against Wakefield Trinity will be Smith’s first game at Headingley and he cannot wait to walk out there.
“It will be special – it’s a privilege to be a coach at this club and I’m sure I will savour it at some point but it’s about the players and club tomorrow certainly not about me.
“It’s a special atmosphere and unlike any other place I’ve been to watch rugby league so I will look forward to that.
