Leeds complete unprecedented treble

The rugby union-bound centre - despite a suspicion of offside - claimed his second try eight minutes from time as the Rhinos saw off the challenge of arch rivals St Helens at Old Trafford yet again.

Saints had led 8-0 after a try and two goals from Kyle Eastmond but Leeds responded through Matt Diskin and Smith.

It was Saints who enjoyed the better of the possession in the opening quarter and it eventually told as they claimed the lead with 13 minutes gone. Jon Wilkin's kick deflected off Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield's boot and bounced kindly for youngster Eastmond to gather and race behind the posts.

Eastmond edged Saints further ahead with two more points after Keith Senior conceded a penalty for obstruction. But Leeds hit back on the half-hour when a strong run by Sinfield took the Rhinos close to the line and hooker Matt Diskin burrowed his way through several tackles to score from dummy half.

Sinfield's conversion hit the upright but Leeds were level at half-time after Smith sneaked in to touch down for a second try after Francis Meli failed to knock away a Danny McGuire kick.

Sinfield then edged the Rhinos ahead two minutes into the second half with a drop goal. But after surviving another prolonged attack by halting Meli on the left, a penalty was awarded for a high tackle on Sean Long by Rob Burrow. Eastmond put Saints 10-9 in front.

But Keiron Cunningham conceded a penalty in front of the posts and Sinfield had little difficulty in putting Leeds 11-10 ahead.

Saints rallied and Eastmond was denied a try in the corner after replays showed him clipping the flag.

Smith secured victory for Leeds eight minutes from time by gathering a McGuire kick and racing over. The video referee was asked to check for offside but after a long deliberation, Smith was deemed to have timed his run perfectly. Sinfield converted and Burrow then added a drop goal as Leeds saw out time to begin the celebrations.