Smithies: Up for it

• Morgan Smithies looks ahead to the Warriors first taste of Challenge Cup competition in 2022.
• Smithies: “For us to get back down there it would be massive for the Club, massive for this team but we’ve got this round to look forward to first.”
• Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils, Friday 25th March, 7:35pm K.O.

Morgan Smithies says there is a big focus on improvements, but the team are ‘up for it’ as the Warriors look for a big performance to see off Salford this Friday and progress in the Challenge Cup competition.

“There’s still loads of improvements for our games individually and as a team, or attack is getting there but our defence needs to be better,” Smithies said.

Reflecting on the start of the Betfred Super League season, he said: “It’s been a good start to the season, we had that loss at Catalans but it’s good to know that we have the ability to bounce back and get a win the week after a loss. I’d like to think as team, we won’t double up on losses, we’d always bounce back. A good start but there’s still plenty of improvement in us.”

Bouncing back in @SuperLeague ✔️💪

Goodnight, Cherry and Whites! 🍒⚪️#WWRL pic.twitter.com/5upiiXpRfP

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 17, 2022

The Warriors now prepare to face Salford Red Devils in their first Challenge Cup involvement of 2022. Speaking on his memories of the competition, Smithies said: “My memories of the Cup as a kid are more in high school, our school team (Brooksbank) were quite successful so we used to play the National Cup Final down there and make a weekend of it so that was quite special. To go on and win the big one would be pretty special.”

He added: “I’m really looking forward to it, as are the rest of the lads. I’ve not won a Challenge Cup before so that’s something I want to do in my career, we’ll take it round-by-round but the lads are buzzing for it.”

Wigan have had a wait to add to their Challenge Cup tally, having last won the competition in 2013. Smithies explained that the team are ready to give it their best this year: “It would mean everything to get to a final this year. I’ve got some good memories of watching the Challenge Cup and we haven’t won it since 2013, so for us to get back down there it would be massive for the Club, massive for this team but we’ve got this round to look forward to first.

“I wouldn’t say it adds pressure but I would say we owe it to the fans and the Club, I think we’re a good team with a lot of potential so I think we can go on and do something special but we won’t be getting carried away, if we lose this game – we’re out, it’s as simple as. All the lads are up for it and we’ll be ready going into it.”

Tickets for tomorrow’s fixture are still available to buy online, in-person at the DW Stadium ticket office or by calling 01942 311111. Tickets will be on sale right up until kick-off on Friday and all the information can be found HERE.