Leeds Rhinos captain Cameron Smith makes form admission as he prepares for Magic Weekend return

Leeds carried their patchy form into this season and Smith has failed to have the influence he would have liked in his first year as captain.

But he stressed that there have been a lot of factors at play, not least the departure of the coach who handed him the captaincy, Rohan Smith.

"I'm not impressed with the way I've been playing," said the Rhinos skipper, who lost his ever-present record last week due to suspension.

"It's been a difficult year and I probably haven't strung consecutive good games together.

"I don't put it down to the captaincy. I feel like there are a lot of things that have happened that haven't been in my control. It's been an extremely difficult year.

"I'm looking to get back to fighting form. Last week was probably a rest I needed. I've played a lot of minutes this year and it gave me a chance to freshen up even though it was only one week."

Leeds produced their best display of the year in Smith's absence to stun Wigan Warriors.

The forward felt the performance had been coming as Brad Arthur continues to put his stamp on the team.

"I was devastated that I couldn't play but it was a real awesome performance from the boys," said Smith.

"We'd been due that for a couple of weeks so I was super excited for them and enjoyed watching it.

"We hadn't had a win like that this season so it gives you that little bit of confidence that we know what we're doing during the week is going to pay off at some point."

Leeds are back within four points of the play-off positions but have little margin for error in the final six rounds.

The Rhinos face high-flying Warrington Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday before sixth-placed Salford Red Devils take on fellow play-off hopefuls Leigh Leopards the following day.

"It's put us in a good position again," said Leeds United fan Smith.

"I feel like we could have come up with some wins earlier than that to put us in a better position than we are now but since Brad came in we've built from performance to performance.

"The Warrington game is pretty significant in our season. We've got some momentum and confidence going into it.

"I'm really looking forward to it. The stadium is amazing, the pitch is immaculate and there will be tons of people here supporting us.

"We're not far from Headingley. I feel like the Leeds people will get down, support us and make it feel like a home game."

The Magic Weekend fixture coincides with the arrival of Arthur's wife, whose approval is the "last piece" as the two parties near an agreement over a longer stay.

Smith is excited about the prospect of teaming up with the Australian again next season.

"I'd love to see him stick around and I've told him that – but I don't think he'll be saying much until his wife gets here," he said.

"He's had an awesome impact on the group in such a short space of time. He's changed things in terms of the level of accountability and responsibility you have as a player.

"If we get 17 blokes who do their job to a significant standard, we'll put ourselves in with a good chance of winning the game.

"He already knows we've got an exceptional team. It's about building on the fundamental things that will give our X-factor players a chance to flourish and put points on the board."