Phil Clarke claims star player’s kicking game is comparable to Jordan Abdull’s

All season one of the narratives has been the kicking game of Hull KR star Jordan Abdull.

He is one of a number of halfbacks gunning for the England shirt alongside England skipper George Williams of the Warrington Wolves.

In the win against France, with Abdull withdrawn alongside St Helens’ Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd, Wigan Warriors star Harry Smith was selected ahead of Abdull’s teammate Mikey Lewis and did very well.

Now Phil Clarke has claimed that Smith’s kicking game is comparable to that of Abdull’s.

“A lot of people have spoken about how good Jordan Abdull is at kicking the ball, but I would suggest there are fewer better than Harry Smith both for his tactical kicks and his high kicks,” he said on Sky Sports.

“Wigan make more ground than anyone in Super League because the kicks they make.

“The not only do they kick well, but it is complimented by the chase. Harry Smith has been fantastic at that so far in 2023.”

Jon Wilkin added: “They’re so accurate, and we saw that in the England international.”

However, Hull FC stood up against his kicks brilliantly and Smith’s opposite number Jake Clifford inspired them to a famous win over Wigan.

After the game Jamie Jones-Buchanan said they were celebrating like they had won a semi-final:

“The fans are singing Old Faithful, look what it means. When that final whistle went and the hooter sounded, the reaction from the players was like they had just won a play-off game or had just secured a place in the Grand Final.

“It is a massive win and they are back on the ascendency.”

Lee Briers then revealed Hull’s next challenge: “The challenge for Hull FC is next week. It is easy to get up for the Wigan Warriors. All due respect to Wakefield, but getting up for a game against the bottom club is a lot harder.

“This Hull team over the past years has really struggled to get big wins and back that up.

“That is about consistency and that’s what they need to do.”