Rohan Smith eyeing chance to fully put stamp on Leeds Rhinos during pre-season

The Australian arrived at Headingley in May tasked with reviving the fortunes of an ailing team and has exceeded the club's initial expectations in his first head coach role at the top level, transforming Leeds from relegation candidates to Grand Finalists.

Dethroning the all-conquering Saints was a step too far but the Rhinos have been given a glimpse into their future under Smith.

The 41-year-old will look to fully put his stamp on the club during his first pre-season at the helm.

"In May when I came in, I did some bits and pieces to try and get a shift in performance," he said.

"We're going to have a pre-season, albeit an interrupted one with the World Cup - I think we'll have eight to 10 players playing, but that will give us a chance to establish more of a different identity and expand on what we've done in the last couple of months.

"It's difficult when you're playing a game every five days to bring about significant change.

"We've made some change and have done well, really well, and I'm really proud to be here.

"Every year you set out to win it but you've got to get to Old Trafford to try and win it. There are worse places to be but at the same time, everyone is hurting because we thought we had enough to do a little bit better."

Leeds' year is not quite over with New Zealand due to visit Headingley on October 8 for a World Cup warm-up match.

The club plan to use the occasion as a chance to farewell the departing players, including Tom Briscoe and Liam Sutcliffe.

"There will be a big crowd at Headingley and it'll be a fitting way to say thank you to those players who have served the club so well," said Smith.