Leeds stun Wigan to reach Grand Final as remarkable resurgence goes on

Leeds Rhinos have form for winning the Super League Grand Final from fifth position but even by their own standards, this is some story you will witness culminate at Old Trafford next Saturday.

It is difficult to know what felt more likely six months ago: the prospect of the Rhinos getting anywhere near this year’s Grand Final or any of their supporters even knowing who the man who would ultimately take them back to the biggest game of the year was.

It is less than a year since Rohan Smith was coaching Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. His appointment in April was met with a collective shrug by the Leeds fanbase, given how few people knew anything about him. Thirteen wins in 18 games later, the latest an unbelievable defensive effort to inflict a first home defeat of the season on Wigan at the worst possible time, and Leeds stand within one victory of a record-extending ninth Super League title.

This one, given how they were only a point off the bottom of the table when Smith was appointed in April, would be the most remarkable of them all. Smith has masterminded a turnaround not even the most optimistic Leeds supporter could have predicted as recently as a few months ago. And how they deserved it here thanks to one of the most courageous and spirited efforts you are likely to see in a playoff match. Stories like these are why, no matter who you support, you believe anything is possible.

“It’s a pretty special moment to be here,” Smith said afterwards. “I’m very privileged. Every team and every club goes through a bunch of stuff each year but I’m truly respectful of my players. The players will have set it out in pre-season to go to Old Trafford and it’s turned out that way.”

This result looked impossible for large