New England number seven Harry Smith is on set to prove naysayers wrong once again with the Grand Final winning half-back looking to show he belongs in Shaun Wane’s team following the opening win over Tonga.
Prior to rejoining the England team on Wednesday and participating in two training sessions in preparation for Sunday’s match in St Helens, Smith was able to enjoy a team trip to Dublin to celebrate Wigan’s victory at Old Trafford.
full-back partnering The Widnes-born half-back, who played alongside Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Jack Welsby in the 22-18 triumph at the Totally Wicked Stadium, managed and kicked the England team in addition to making three conversions out of four attempts.
After earning his first official cap in the 64-0 mid-season victory over France in Warrington, Smith says it is a “privilege” to represent his country and adds he is prepared to demonstrate why he should be included in the 24-man squad.
Smith reflected on the triumph in game one by saying, “The physicality was there right from the start and we knew that we had to meet them and basically take it to them. I thought we did that at the start.”
I have always supported myself. I count it a privilege to have carried the seven and to be the team’s captain.
“I felt like I performed satisfactorily; I managed the team well and capitalized on my kicking ability, so I’m pleased with my work.
“The best players are chosen because it’s the biggest stage. I’m eager to demonstrate my abilities and prove that I deserve to be here during the next two weeks.
At only 23, Smith was the youngest of the three playmakers for the home team, with try-scorer Lewis and newly-elected captain Welsby both being 22.
Will Hopoate, a 31-year-old free agent, played fullback for Tonga, and Huddersfield’s Tui Lolohea partnered with Isaiya Katoa, a young Dolphins player, in the halves.
Toby King, a center on loan from Wigan, scored the game’s first goal, while Tom Johnstone, a Grand Final foe, scored twice in his first game since 2018.
Lewis, making his England debut, stormed through the middle to set up King’s first opportunity, and the teenager also had the self-assurance to back himself for England’s second try to crash his way over.
Smith stated, “My job is to get us in the right field position and to get the ball to Mikey and Jack in space.”
“I think we did it extremely well and occasionally were able to take advantage of them. It would be fantastic if we could expand on that even further the next week.
“We talked about having confidence in one another all week. Everyone who was on the field at any given time would give it their all.
“Playing with players like Jack and Mikey is fantastic.
