Smith eyes fairytale finish

Smith will lead his team out against defending Super League champions St Helens at Old Trafford next Saturday in his last match before becoming full-time national coach after they secured a 36-6 victory over Wigan in the final eliminator.

"It's beyond my wildest dreams to participate in three of the last four Grand Finals and to win a second would be terrific," he said. "It's been a great partnership and I've enjoyed my four years here. I'm leaving the club in a very healthy state and that's something that means a lot to me."

Smith revealed he was inspired by the performance of the club's Under-18s side who beat St Helens to lift the junior academy Grand Final in a curtain-raiser to the final eliminator.

"I thought the whole performance was very comprehensive," added Smith. "To only concede one try against a very dangerous team was enormous."

Wigan unforgettably overturned a 30-6 deficit to beat Bradford in their opening play-off tie and came from behind in their win at Hull last week to keep alive their dream of becoming the first team to reach the Grand Final from sixth place.

But they trailed 16-0 at half-time after being outplayed by a rampant Rhinos and only briefly threatened another comeback when Pat Richards scored and converted a try on 55 minutes.

"At 16-6 I thought we could get back into it, but we didn't quite kick well enough," said Wigan coach Brian Noble.

"We're disappointed, but we played a team who were very good in relation to ball control. I can't remember them making a mistake. We had 60% completion and theirs was up around 95% - and that wins any game.

"It doesn't make me any less proud for what we nearly achieved. It has spiked up the six scenario for next year. Someone will get there from sixth."