Tony Smith insists it is "business as usual" as he prepares to take charge of Leeds for the last time on Saturday.
Rhinos coach ready for final fling at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports
Tony Smith insists it is "business as usual" as he prepares to take charge of Leeds for the final time in Saturday's Grand Final.
The Australian will swap the Rhinos for the Lions after the game at Old Trafford as he is leaving Headingley to become the new full-time coach of Great Britain.
However, rather than think ahead to the upcoming Test series with New Zealand, Smith insists he is fully focused on helping Leeds become Super League champions.
"It's business as usual this week," he told
Sky Sports News. "I think it will be more emotional afterwards.
"It's that busy this week and I just want to enjoy it. We're pretty relaxed at the moment and we'll build the intensity as the week goes on."
Fine line
Standing in Leeds' way are St Helens, a side that have already beaten them once in the play-offs.
A 10-8 triumph at Knowsley Road in the qualifying semi-final meant Saints gained an extra week off, although the Rhinos had won the two meetings in the regular season.
"It was a pretty fine line (in the last match against Saints)," Smith said. "It could have gone either way.
"A couple of bounces could have gone our way and we could have snatched it although having said that St Helens were very good that night.
"We've beaten them twice this year, they've beaten us once, so it's nip-and-tuck.
"It's going to be about taking opportunities when they come along."
When asked about his side being the underdogs, he added: "We're not unhappy with that tag. We're going in with good confidence."
Ellis statement
Meanwhile, the club have released a statement dismissing speculation that Gareth Ellis could be set to move to NRL outfit Manly Sea Eagles.
"Gareth is currently in contract at the Rhinos and has no interest in leaving Headingley Carnegie," the statement on the club's website said.
