Rohan Smith’s former club wins Grand Final days after Leeds Rhinos boss reflected on journey from Norths Devils to Headingley

Last year, Rohan Smith was ending Norths Devils’ 22-year-wait to win a Grand Final and now he has a chance at ending Leeds’ five year wait, their longest since 2004, for a Super League title.

He will lead his Rhinos side out onto the pitch tonight despite the fact they were second bottom in April and in a relegation battle.

Since he arrived, the Rhinos have only lost five times and have won 10 out of the last 11 games taking them all the way to the Grand Final where they meet Champions St Helens.

Victory would surely be the highlight of his career, but Smith already has something to smile about this morning as his former club retained their title with a Grand Final with over the Redcliffe Dolphins this morning.

Led by former Warrington halfback Tyrone Roberts, the Devils downed the Dolphins in this morning’s final having led 6-2 at the break. They went on to win 16-10. Roberts kicked two goals in the win.

Congratulations @NorthsDevilsRL on their Grand Final win from everyone at the Rhinos 🏆

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 24, 2022

It was a defence heavy contest which very well could be a precursor for tonight’s Super League Grand Final, Rohan Smith will also be hoping that the victory of his former side, who also wear blue and yellow, against a team in red and white who are the favourites is a good omen for tonight.

Just days prior, Smith opened up about his journey from coaching in a game with 300 people in attendance to a game where over 60,000 are expected in the pre-Grand Final press conference.

“Five months ago I was in Ipswich and there were 300 people there and now I’m here so it’s a long way,” Smith said, “There’s more of these formalities, but I love coaching no matter what team I’m lucky enough to coach so nothing much changes it’s always about doing the best I could for the players I’m working with so nothing much has changed there just more public spotlight.”