Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls: Smith is stung by the idea he failed at Wasps

The England three-quarter re-joined his home-town club yesterday following a four-month flirtation with the 15-man code in which he played just twice for London Wasps.

Smith signed a three-year deal for the Guinness Premiership club but they agreed to release him due to personal reasons and he has returned to the Super League champions until the end of 2013.

He will go straight into the faltering Leeds side against Bradford Bulls tonight and look to pick up where his blossoming career left off – a two-try appearance in their Grand Final success last October – insisting he has no regrets about the Wasps episode.

"Some people will say I failed but as far I'm concerned I didn't," he said.

"Wasps have got a good squad of players and I didn't really get a shot but I had to come back for family reasons and Wasps understood that.

"The transition was a big one and union takes quite a bit of learning compared to league but I was progressing. I think they wanted me to stay but totally understood the situation I was in; I had some personal issues needed sorting up here and they were really good about it.

"I don't regret it. It's been an experience but I missed living in Leeds and I'm glad to be back."

Smith, 23, insisted even if he had been a regular with Wasps he would have made the same decision and would not try to dissuade any Super League colleagues making the switch, despite joining a list of players, including Chev Walker, Karl Pryce and Gareth Raynor, who have beaten hasty retreats from union.

The Morley-born player, who came through the Academy ranks at Headingley, said he is relishing the opportunity to rekindle his love affair with the Rhinos.

Wearing a belt emblazoned with the words "Leeds Rocks", Smith said: "I can't wait to run out at Headingley again.

"It is something I thought I may not get the chance to do again in a Leeds shirt.

"I honestly thought the Grand Final would be my last Rhinos game so it's really special.

"I imagine it will be pretty tough on the lungs but I feel pretty fresh and can't wait to get started."

Smith – who amassed 102 games for the Rhinos scoring in each of their last three Grand Finals victories – took part in their last practice session yesterday before facing the press.

"It felt a bit weird training with them again and I didn't expect that," he admitted. "I was creeping around the changing room and had to get a spot in the corner. I've got to earn their respect again and hopefully I can do that in the next few weeks."

His return could not have come at a better time with Leeds, wallowing in ninth having lost five games already, in urgent need of outside backs given long-term injuries to wingers Scott Donald and Kallum Watkins.

Smith is confident he will not need much time re-adjusting to the 13-man game, although he can expect the Bulls to send plenty of action his way this evening.

"I think it will come naturally," he said.

"I've joined the club I left. I'd been here seven years through the Academy, I still know all the calls, the plays and hopefully I can slot back in.

"Leeds haven't had the best of starts and hopefully I can give them a bit of a boost."

Coach Brian McClennan believes he has done that already.

"There was an absolute buzz around the place when Lee walked in again," he said.

"He's a class player and we're really rapped to have him back."

Someone else who should return against their derby rivals is captain Kevin Sinfield who has missed the last four games with a dead leg.

McClennan thinks that will be crucial.

"Your captain should always be the first person picked on the teamsheet but with Kev it goes a lot deeper than that," he said.

"He's such a positive, influential person on and off the field; he ties it all together.

"We're going to be a much better team for it.

"I don't think we're that far away from kicking on and playing some really good rugby.

"We've got to do that and I'd say judge us at the end of April; it's going to be a big month for us."