FORMER Giants coach Tony Smith is hoping as little hype as possible is focused on the fact Leeds Rhinos' vital pre-season clash at Headingley on Sunday (3.00) is against his old club.

Smith left the McAlpine at the end of last season after guiding the Giants to their most successful Super League season.

But the nature of his departure left many Huddersfield fans feeling bitter.

Yet Smith is hoping that can all be forgotten and the main attention will be on Francis Cummins - the match is part of his benefit season - and the fact the contest is a vital part of the pre-season build-up for both clubs.

"At this stage, I'm ignoring the fact Sunday's match is against the Giants," said Smith.

"And I hope everyone else will, too.

"There are far more issues at stake this weekend than this being my first match against my former club.

"For a start, it's a match to honour a great servant of the game in Francis Cummins and it's certainly important for me in deciding who will play for Leeds in our opening Super League game of the season.

"I still haven't decided what my starting line-up will be, so a lot will obviously depend on how things go on Sunday.

"There are also some combinations and systems I'd like to take a look at. It's things like this which really count this weekend.

"And I'm sure it will be the same for Jon (Sharp) at Huddersfield.

"He'll also have far more to worry about than getting one over his former head coach at the Giants.

"He'll be in exactly the same boat as me."

But while Smith is feeling ultra-professional about the task ahead right now, he does admit it could feel strange on the day itself.

Having spent three years at the Giants, the Australian will always have a piece of Huddersfield in his heart and admits his emotions on Sunday afternoon could be mixed.

"Huddersfield Giants played a very important part in my life for three years and the club will never be very far from my mind," he added.

"I know that when it comes to the day it'll be strange seeing so many of my former players and so many good friends whose sole intention now is to see me beaten.

"I do want to see the club do well and for all my old mates to have smiles on their faces, but this weekend I want Leeds to do a little bit better - but only just!"

Smith has watched a video of the Giants' 36-0 crushing of Castleford Tigers as part of this weekend's preparation.

And he admits that Sharp appears to be doing a good job as his successor.

"To nil a fellow Super League club is an outstanding achievement, even if it was in a pre-season game," said Smith.

"They had pride in their tryline and covered tremendously well for each other.

"They also scored some very good tries, which will have no doubt pleased everyone. It's clear they are working very hard.

"But we've also been putting in the graft during pre-season training, and I think that will be reflected in a good game on Sunday.

"I obviously know a thing or two about a lot of the Giants players and that may be put to use this Sunday.

"However, there are still several players Jon has recruited that could cause us problems, so Sunday should be a big test.

"It's certainly an occasion we're all looking forward to at Headingley.

"At this stage of the year it's just the sort of game we need, a game where I expect everyone to be giving 100%."