Smith: Good Start Important

• Harry Smith spoke to the press ahead of Saturday’s Super League opener against Hull KR.
• Smith: “I think there’s a good balance at the minute and an enjoyment at the camp and wanting to play with each other.”
• Watch more pre-match preview from Harry Smith on Wigan TV HERE.

Harry Smith says that putting the right foot forward is important ahead of the Warriors’ Round 1 opener against Hull KR.

Smith, who this season has been handed the number 7 jersey by Matt Peet, says their opponents could spring a surprise as they start life under new Head Coach Willie Peters: “They’ve got a new coach and a few new players, we were used to that Tony Smith style of a bit of unpredictability,” he said, “but with this new Aussie coach they might be a bit more systematic. So it is a bit of the unknown for us. There are a few things we’ve seen that we know they’ll try and do.

“We know if we put our right foot forward we should have a good day at the office.”

The atmosphere inside Sewell Group Craven Park is set to be a good one, with Smith saying they’ll look to use that to their advantage: “Their fans are always loud, no matter how many of them there are.” he said

“I think I’ve seen they’ve sold out a few stands, so it’ll be a great atmosphere and hopefully a great day for Rugby, and hopefully we can put on a show. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and one that were going to try and use and get the energy off it. I think it’ll be a great game and they’ll come out firing and we’ll be looking to match them and if not do more.”

On the game, he added: “We need to look sharp and put the work in that we’ve done in pre-season. It’s obviously something we’ve worked on to make ourselves better from last year.

“A good start is important, something to build on and just build confidence from really.”

After minimal player turnover during the off-season, with only Toby King, Jake Wardle and Ryan Hampshire coming in, Smith says spirit in the camp is good and that they’re looking to continue the successes from their last campaign.

He said: “(Cade Cust) Custy, the spine, people like that and then the two new additions (Toby King and Jake Wardle) have been brilliant.

“They’ve brought a lot to the team, a lot of work. I think there’s a good balance at the minute and an enjoyment at the camp and wanting to play with each other and get this game over and done with and show what we can do”.

Having featured 70 times for Wigan since making his debut in 2019, his consistent performances in the centre saw Smith handed the number 7 shirt, formerly of team-mate turned Coach Tommy Leaului: “It’s a great honour for me” he said, “There’s been a lot of legends that have worn it before me. There’s no pressure but excitement as it’s something I’ve wanted to do and why I play for Wigan and why I came here. It’s something I’m gonna take with both hands.

“(The number) gives you that confidence that you can get in the starting team, that it’s your spot to have and you need to keep hold of it.”