Leeds claim third successive Grand Final - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Leeds claim third successive Grand Final

11/10/2009 01:30:01 PM Comments (0)

Lee Smith waved an emotional goodbye to Leeds Rhinos with a Super League Grand Final match-winning try against St Helens on Saturday, but insists he doesn't regret his decision to leave.

The 23-year-old has agreed to switch codes after the upcoming Four Nations tournament to join London Wasps in the Premiership.

Smith - who won the man of the match award in last year's Grand Final victory over Saints - scored either side of the break to help Leeds fight back to take a third consecutive title.

His winner looked suspiciously offside but video referee Phil Bentham controversially awarded it.

"I made my decision a while ago and I still think it's the right decision for me - I just wanted to go out on a high," said Smith.

"I wasn't going to wait to see if it was offside, I just saw the ball put it down and luckily it was given.

"It doesn't matter now - it was given and I'm absolutely delighted. Saints made us work very hard for it and they are a top side.

"It's a new chapter in my life now and who knows, I might be back."

Kyle Eastmond kicked all ten points for the Saints who dominated the early play.

But tries from Matt Diskin and Smith levelled it at 8-8 at half time and it was one-way traffic after the break.

And Saints scrum-half Sean Long - who will move to Hull FC over the off-season break - was almost lost for words as he signed off with another Old Trafford defeat.

"I'm gutted to be honest - there is no other word for it," said Long. "It was not the fairytale ending that I wanted but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"Whether the last try was offside or not is irrelevant - it was given and we just have to accept it.

"We started off well and put them under a lot of pressure but all credit to Leeds - they took their chances and they played very well."

And England captain Jamie Peacock insists Leeds' fourth Super League title will set him up for the Four Nations, which kick off later this month.

"This is the best Super League title from my point of view," added Peacock. "I'm absolutely delighted.

"To win three in a row is unbelievable and this is the perfect way to go into the internationals."

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