Smith's old skills power Saints

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The 20-year-old, who played a handful of matches for Everton reserves before opting to make his career in rugby league, filled the boots of Sean Long and rose superbly to the occasion to play a key role in Saints' 10-8 victory over Leeds, which gave the champions a direct route to Old Trafford for the October 13 title decider.

With both sides scoring one try, the result came down to marksmanship of Smith - who converted half-back partner Leon Pryce's 16th-minute try and kicked two penalties, the crucial second one 13 minutes from the end of a pulsating match, and coach Daniel Anderson gushed: "He's done tremendously well."

Smith had not played since mid-August after sustaining a neck injury in training but was recalled when coach Daniel Anderson decided to dispense with the gamble of playing forward Jon Wilkin in the specialist number seven role.

"We said after the Wigan game that we needed a half-back, so that Jon Wilkin could go back to his loose forward role," said Anderson.

The Rhinos, who had done the double over Saints in the regular rounds of Super League, will have a second chance to reach Old Trafford - and on last night's form, they will still fancy their chances of lifting the title.

"I was pleased with the effort, but we need to be smarter in our next game," said Leeds coach Tony Smith.

"We needed to take a couple more chances, but I hope we will have another chance to have a go at them."