WHEN Lee Smith was first dubbed rugby league’s David Beckham, it had as much to do with enjoying the celebrity lifestyle off the field as talent on it.

But, on Saturday, the Rhinos rookie proved the comparisons may not be too far off the mark after all.

And this time the only champagne on show was the celebration bubbly fizzing around the dressing room as Leeds made it two triumphs in two years.

Little more than 12 months ago, Smith looked in danger of blowing all his promise, amid claims of taking his eye off the ball and enjoying the high life perhaps a little too much.

A now-ended relationship with Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth earned the couple that tag as RL’s Posh and Becks and, for a while, there were fears Smith was heading down the wrong road.

A career so full of potential looked in danger of being blown away before it left the blocks.

It took a few well-chosen words from some of the old heads around Headingley to get Smith, 22, fully focused again. And against St Helens at Old Trafford he repaid that faith — with a match-winning display as the Rhinos stunned the hot favourites for the second year running.

A year earlier Smith had been unsure of his place until the last few days, as coach Tony — now plotting England’s World Cup assault — mulled over whether he was up to the task.

This time, after a season of knuckling down and silencing cynics, that place was never in doubt. At least when he escaped a ban for kicking out at Wigan’s Phil Bailey in the semi-final.

And when coach Smith names his squad to travel Down Under tomorrow, there is every chance the Rhinos hero will cap it all by being in it.

Stand off Danny McGuire, scoring in his THIRD Grand Final, has no doubts the youngster should be chosen — now he has his priorities in order.

Big boots

McGuire insisted: “Lee’s a bit daft — he just needs directing in the right way. He is a nice lad but he is bit out there.

“He had big boots to fill and I think it has taken him a while to realise how good a player he really is. And once he starts getting that into his head, then he will get even better.

“It’s not my job, but I think he should be picked for England. We are a bit short on wingers and cover for full-back.”

At Old Trafford Smith bagged his side’s first try to get the show on the road, after James Graham’s early opener sparked brief fears of the perfect farewell for Daniel Anderson.

What the Saints coach would have given to still have a fit Paul Sculthorpe in the ranks, after his side blew it on the biggest occasion again.

Smith’s stunning 40-20 kick then handed Leeds the position to set up the McGuire touchdown and gave them a lead they never relinquished.

And a superb all-round performance at full-back made it look as it he had played there all his life, rather than being switched from the wing when regular Brent Webb was ruled out with injury. It has been such a dramatic few months that even Smith, clear winner of the Harry Sunderland man of the match award, was pinching himself.

He admitted: “I just sat down in the dressing room and had a few minutes to myself. I looked at the trophy and there are some bloody amazing names on there — to be on it with them is incredible.

“If Tony picks me for the World Cup it will be brilliant but if I don’t get chosen I will have something else up my sleeve, a holiday — and a good one!”

Fellow rookie Ryan Hall is probably no more than an outsider to make the World Cup party.

Yet that will not wipe the smile off his face. After getting the nod to start when Kiwi Webb missed out, he came up with the Rhinos’ second — thanks to a superb kick and chase.

A year ago, Hall, 20, was Leeds’ 18th man and missed out on a winners’ ring.

This time no one could doubt his claims — and leaving Old Trafford empty-handed 12 months earlier only made the moment even sweeter.

Hall said: “Last year was a great experience but this is just totally different. I was delighted when the lads won but there was something missing. Now I’ve been a real part of it. I have been thinking of what it would be like to have a winner’s ring. I didn’t get one last year.

“They gave them to the 17 who played and there are a few others.

“I didn’t push for one and was glad I didn’t get one because it makes this even more special.

“Last time the party was good but it didn’t feel totally right. This year I will be right in the middle of it.”

SCORERS:

St Helens - Tries: Graham, Gidley, Gardner. Goals: Long 2.

Leeds - Tries: Smith, Hall, McGuire 2. Goals: Sinfield 4.

SUN STAR MAN

KEVIN SINFIELD (Leeds). Smith was outstanding but Sinfield’s flawless.

LEEDS: Smith 8, Hall 7, Ablett 6, Senior 7, Donald 6, McGuire 7, Burrow 7, Leuluai 7, Diskin 6, Peacock 7, Jones-Buchanan 8, Ellis 6, Sinfield 9. Subs: Lauitiiti 7, Bailey 5, Scruton 7, Kirke 6.

SAINTS: Wellens 7, Gardner 6, Gidley 7, Talau 6, Meli 5, Pryce 6, Long 7, Graham 7, Cunningham 6, Hargreaves 6, Gilmour 7, Wilkin 6, Flannery 6. Subs: Roby 6, Fozzard 6, Clough 6, Fa’asavalu 6.

Referee: A Klein (Great Britain)