FORMER Giants coach Tony Smith will not let sentiment stand in the way of his bid to see Leeds Rhinos continue their Super League IX domination.
Smith makes a first return to Huddersfield since leaving at the end of last season when the Rhinos do battle with the Giants at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday (4.30).
While the Leeds chief is able to select from a full-strength squad, Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp again has his injury concerns.
Stanley Gene is two weeks away from a return with a foot dislocation and Chris Nero and Paul Reilly are both rated as `extremely doubtful' with ankle injuries.
Sharp also has question marks hanging over the fitness of props Eorl Crabtree (shin) and Jim Gannon (shoulder).
But while the Leeds boss is sympathetic to the Giants' current plight, he is warning opposite number and former assistant coach Sharp to expect few favours this weekend.
"I'm looking forward to making a return on Sunday and meeting up with some good friends at the end of the game," said Smith.
"I had a fantastic time at the Giants and I'm sure it'll be a little strange having to go into the visitors' changing room.
"But I can't afford to let the emotion of the occasion get the better of me.
"When it comes to the crunch, this is a match for my Leeds side against a fellow top-six team.
"We are preparing for a hard-fought contest against a Huddersfield side who will play with spirit and passion.
"They may not be getting the results they were at the start of the season, but we all know we will need to be at our best.
"My focus is to ensure my team at least maintains the momentum that has taken us to the top of Super League.
"I'm happy with the way things are going over here, but there's still a big room for improvement."
