Smith: Up for the challenge

  • Harry Smith previews Friday’s game against Warrington Wolves at Emerald Headingley Stadium (K.O. 7:45pm).
  • The scrum-half talks about the crucial weeks that are ahead, what he expects from Warrington and the importance of remaining focused.
  • Smith: “We will be up for the game and raring to get the win.”

Harry Smith says the Wigan Warriors squad are ready to go as they prepare to take on Warrington Wolves on Friday evening.

The Warriors head into the Betfred Super League clash at Emerald Headingley Stadium (K.O. 7:45pm) on the back of a Coral Challenge Cup Semi Final defeat.

Smith says the team are ready to bounce back after analysing what went wrong last weekend, with Steve Price’s Warrington in the same position after exiting the Cup at the same stage as well.

Half-back Smith, said: “We had a long review and some tough questions were asked about the performance against Leeds, but we’ve moved on and know what we have to do to get the win against Warrington.

Smith scored a try in last Saturday’s loss.

“Both of us are coming in on the back of a loss in the biggest games of our seasons, so we will be up for the game and raring to get the win.”

The 20-year-old believes the defeat will be something he can use to his own benefit and career further down the line.

“I learnt a lot from the game. Hopefully, it is something I can use in the future when I get the chance to play in those games. It’s not what I wanted but it was a very good learning curve for myself.”

The 20-year-old hopes to learn from the defeat in the Coral Challenge Cup.

The focus for the Warriors is now firmly on the Betfred Super League and securing a spot in the top four.

“There’s only seven weeks left and a lot of crucial games. There is a lot of work to do, but it is exciting, and we are all up for the challenge. We spoke that with points percentage, things will be different, but we can only control what we do.

“Hopefully we can win as many games as we can and hopefully win seven from seven. It’s in our hands.

Smith is aware of the threats that Warrington hold.

Adrian Lam’s side will hope to start that run with a victory against Wire on Friday, and Smith is looking forward to facing them for the first time this campaign, after missing out on the opening day victory at the DW Stadium.

“Warrington are the only team I have not faced this year. I think both sides have improved a lot (since the opening game), a lot of things have happened and changed, but I think it’ll be a great game.

“You can name a lot of threats in their team – they have big middles and strong outside backs who can finish well, but we have worked hard and know our roles. A win can set us up the rest of the season and can be the start of a great run for us that will lead up to the Grand Final.”

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Friday 09 October 2020