Smith looking to bow out in style

12 April 2012

Wasps-bound centre Lee Smith is aiming to leave rugby league on a high by helping England bounce back from their World Cup disappointment.

The 23-year-old ended his Leeds Rhinos career with a third successive Super League triumph and hopes to make a similar impact on the Gillette Four Nations, which gets under way tonight when England take on France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.

"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."

He added: "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."

Smith was initially thought to be unavailable for the Four Nations as he prepares to switch codes but the dearth of quality England-qualified centres in Super League forced coach Tony Smith to consider all his options.

The Leeds three-quarter played full-back in last year's Grand Final and won both his England caps on the wing but he has enjoyed a successful season with his club in the centre and is happy to take on the role for his country.

"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."

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