England centre Lee Smith is determined to bring the curtain down on his rugby league career with victory over France.
Former Rhinos ace determined to pass French test
England centre Lee Smith is determined to bring the curtain down on his rugby league career with victory over France on Friday night.
The 23-year-old is on the verge of switching codes to join London Wasps after winning three successive Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos.
And Smith, who was initially unavailable for the Doncaster showdown due to his transfer, is now focused on helping England bounce back from their recent World Cup disappointment.
"It's a good challenge for me to end on," said Smith, who made his England debut in the World Cup 12 months ago. "I had a great ending to my Leeds career and I hope to be successful in this four-week period.
"This opens a new door. Last year probably wasn't the best time for me internationally, we didn't do that well down there. We've got points to prove and hopefully can do that on home turf."
Despite winning both of his previous England caps on the wing, the Rhinos three-quarter will slot in at centre for the visit of France, a role he is more than comfortable with.
Stronger
"Tony has put faith in me," he said. "He knew I was enthusiastic to play, as everyone should be. To play for your country is massive. I would never have turned it down and now I'm looking forward to it.
"I was asked by (Leeds coach) Brian McClennan to move to centre this year and it took me a while to adapt but I think I'm ticking over all right at the moment.
"This is going to be a massive test for me. I'm going to be playing against the best in the world and it's something I'm looking forward to."
The previous encounter between the sides in Paris saw England power to a 66-12 victory in the mid-season international.
However, France coach Bobbie Goulding has built a significantly stronger squad for the return visit, the bulk of them from Super League club Catalans Dragons.
Smith was in the Rhinos team that was given a stern test by the Dragons in the play-off semi-finals earlier this month before coming through 27-20 and he is expecting Friday's match to be just as difficult.
"It will be tough physically, especially in first 20," he said. "I think they will come out all guns blazing and we've got to expect to get bashed.
"But, if we play to our game plan, we should come out on top."
