By Julian Shea

Webb impressed for New Zealand in the Tri-Nations

Leeds coach Tony Smith has hailed new full-back Brent Webb as the man who could help revive their fortunes after two years of disappointment.

Since winning the 2004 Grand Final, Leeds have failed to win a trophy but Smith said former New Zealand Warriors' player Webb would lift his whole team.

"Anyone who saw him in the Tri-Nations saw he was arguably the best player in the tournament," said Smith.

"He's a great support player and good in defence - we're excited about him."

Smith's first season in charge at Leeds in 2004 saw the Rhinos' 32-year wait for a title come to an end, followed up by a World Club Challenge victory.

It's great to be the bench mark, which we have been - at the moment it's Saints, and deservedly so Leeds coach Tony Smith

But the following year they suffered double disappointment, losing in both the Challenge Cup and Grand Finals, and 2006 was another trophyless season.

Runners-up in the 2005 Grand Final, Leeds lost to Warrington in last year's play-offs but Smith said he would not alter their style this year.

"We don't want to get too conservative, we like to be open. That's how I like it and our fans like it too," he said.

"We'll stick with that but maybe be a bit harder in defence than last year."

Smith to stay on as Leeds coach

Smith admits they could have done things better last year, but insists they have not panicked into changes.

"We're certainly disappointed with how we finished the season, which makes you reflect in a different way than if you won, but it wasn't a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water," he said.

"We looked at areas we needed to improve, and we think we have."

Those improvements will hopefully allow Leeds to close the gap on St Helens, who won everything going in 2006 and set the bench mark for other teams.

With Leeds having been in that position a few years ago, Smith knows how much that will inspire other teams to raise their game.

And Leeds are no exception.

"It's great to be the bench mark, which we have been - at the moment it's Saints, and deservedly so," he said.

"What a fantastic squad they had, and still have. But that inspires other people to go after them, as they did to us.