Hastings’ departure “could open a big door”, according to Harry Smith

He was out of contract at the end of 2021, but youngster Harry Smith could not hide his joy at signing a new four-year deal at Wigan.

“When you look at the squad and the young players around my age, it was a really easy thing to do,” Smith said.

“I can put my energy into playing now and getting into the team and building for the future and I’m really happy to be able to do that.

“I just want to keep building on last season, I got a lot of bench spots last year, but I want to make more starting spots and kick on – I want to bring a bit more to the team from a starting position and hopefully I can do that.”

Of course, with Jackson Hastings’ departure, that has left the door open for Smith to nail down a regular berth in the neat future.

“It could open a big door for myself and hopefully that does happen I can take the starting spot.

“But, as Jackson said to us we need to focus on this season and get that silverware.”

Learning from Hastings and Tommy Leuluai has stood the young halfback in good stead for the future, according to Smith himself.

“There’s a lot you can learn from Jackson and Tommy – they’ve seen a lot in the game and they’ve always got tips.

“They always give me their opinion and are honest and that’s all you can ask for which will be very beneficial for me in the future.”