FORMER Giants coach Tony Smith believes having a strong squad has been the key to Leeds Rhinos' Super League success.
While Huddersfield head coach Jon Sharp will again be forced to field a patched-up side against leaders Leeds at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday (4.30), Smith has the luxury of picking from a full-strength squad.
It's something Smith was seldom in a position to do during his time in charge of the Giants.
And he admits it makes all the difference in the world.
"I've known what it's like having to field a side from an injury-hit squad that doesn't have much real strength-in-depth, and it's very tough," said Smith, right.
"So I know how hard it will have been for Jon, although I believe he's doing a great job.
"But experiencing a situation like this does make you appreciate even more what I've got at Leeds.
"Over the course of the season I've been able to rest players if they've been carrying any little niggles and been able to replace them with internationals waiting on the sidelines! As a result, I've been able to coach teams that have been injury-free and then brought back players who have been able to fully recover from their injuries.
"It means I now have a squad that's physically in top shape and is fitter, faster and stronger than ever.
"In contrast, I know Jon will have been forced to have selected players who have been carrying injuries because the depth of his squad isn't as strong as ours at Leeds.
"It makes his task extremely difficult, I know because I've been there.
"So, for Jon to have done what he has this year is a great effort.
"Huddersfield really have had a great year so far, and have worked hard to get into the top six.
"They are doing it tough right now and that play-off spot is coming under threat from Wakefield. But Jon is more than capable of picking things up and I hope he can, after Sunday of course!
"Although I'm looking forward to returning to the stadium and catching up with some old friends, my No1 priority is obviously to ensure we continue to improve."
