Smith stands in way of his golden generation

Tony Smith turned a talented but under-achieving Rhinos squad into ruthless conquerors when, during his debut season in 2004, he led them to their first title for 32 years, sparking the most successful period in the club's long history.

The meticulous Australian would oversee their inaugural World Club Challenge triumph and another Super League title two years later before leaving to take control of Great Britain, only the Challenge Cup missing from his collection.

However, Smith arrived at Warrington last season and worked his magic there, delivering some much-needed structure and organisation to a squad which had flattered to deceive.

Within five months of taking over, the former Huddersfield chief led Wolves to a Wembley victory last August, ending his own quest, and now the holders will be protecting their crown against those skilful players he knows so well and who remain so hungry for the famous trophy.

Smith could be seen as something of an alchemist – he had also sparked Huddersfield into life – but insists it is no complicated formula but the small margins that are crucial.

The Leeds side he inherited had just missed out on the Challenge Cup in 2003 and were blessed with some of the country's finest young players – Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire et al.

"I obviously knew they were very talented and there was only two players who came in – Ali Lauitiiti and Marcus Bai," said Smith. "The rest of the squad was there and a lot of hard work had been done.

"I was invited to work with these, help them improve and give them some self-belief. That was the big thing and simplifying their roles so each understood what their jobs was at the time.

"Everyone bought into it and something pretty special happened."

Ask any Leeds players of that vintage – the majority remain – and they remember the thorough and disciplined Smith never set a timetable for success. He did not at Warrington, either.

They offered another challenge and he admitted: "I was excited by another sleeping giant, another club itching for success and one with plenty of talent, desire and support.

"They just hadn't quite cracked through yet but I wasn't totally surprised we won the cup last year as it suited where we were at that stage as a club and in terms of ability; we could raise our level for short periods.

"This year, though, we've been working on gaining more consistency. We've done that with our defence and we're not just lifting for certain games."

The 43-year-old has been able to invest at Warrington with big-money signings Richie Myler and Ryan Atkins, along with the fine acuistion of David Solomona, complementing some burgeoning youngsters like Ben Harrison and Chris Riley.

The revitalised Cheshire club are also eyeing second spot and a first Grand Final.

"There was a lot of similarities with Leeds – good young players with some quality experience but I was also fortunate enough to be able to add some key players at the start of this year, too," said Smith. "If teams are willing to buy into it and make sacrifices, things can happen."

One thing yet to happen is a Warrington win over his erstwhile club, Leeds emerging victorious in all four Super League meetings since he took over.

Wembley would prove a fitting venue for that to occur.

"I hope it is a really good game of rugby league and both teams play exceptionally well – with us just playing a little better," said Smith, who denied one former club, Huddersfield, 12 months ago.

You get the feeling, if Smith's side do emerge victorious, that hope will have played no part whatsoever.

SMITH AT LEEDS

2004 Secure League Leaders Shield and defeat Bradford 16-8 in Grand Final.

2005 Defeat Canterbury Bulldogs 39-32 to lift first World Club Challenge at Elland Road.

Fall to Hull FC 25-24 in Challenge Cup final; lose Grand Final 15-6 v Bradford.

2006 Third in Super League and knocked out of play-offs at home to Warrington.

Shock Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Huddersfield.

2007 Second in Super League but defeat St Helens 33-6 in Grand Final.