Two England internationals made their debut in the NRL today as Newcastle Knights took on Canberra Raiders but it’s Morgan Smithies who has taken the headlines.
Canberra Raiders has been a hub of English talent in the NRL for a long time with Josh Hodgson among the first to break through there and having been joined by the likes of Eliot Whitehead, John Bateman, George Williams, Ryan Hampshire and now Morgan Smithies.
Eliot Whitehead remains at the club where he serves as captain but the Englishman is currently out injured, leaving Smithies as the sole ‘Pommie’ on the park for the Raiders.
Today though he faced up against fellow English international Kai Pearce-Paul who signed for Newcastle Knights and played 40 minutes from the bench as the two former teammates met for the first time.
It was Morgan Smithies who took home the bragging rights though as Canberra won 28-12 and in the post-match press he’s earned rave reviews.
Head coach Ricky Stuart was asked about the ex-Wigan man, responding: “I said all week when people have been asking me about our new boys and I’ve said ‘They can all play footy and Morgan Smithies is a very good footy player’.
“I just said in the box to Elliot (Whitehead), ‘He’s a tough kid’.”
Teammate, and on-field captain in the absence of Whitehead, Joseph Tapine added: “Pommies are all tough. In the middle, I’m trying to find my bearings and he’s talking the whole time. He’s a good player to be playing with.”
“Defensive animal” – Morgan Smithies debut sees fans applaud his efforts
Morgan Smithies led the tackle count for Canberra with 44 in just 69 minutes and perhaps more impressive was the fact that he missed just one tackle.
While his performance impressed both his head coach and teammate Joseph Tapine, it’s also gone down as a hit with the Canberra fans.
🤝 Respect after battle!
🏴 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/Rl7vSsOjDw
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) March 7, 2024
Many took to social media to applaud Smithies’ effort following his debut.
One fan simply stated: “What an asset to the milk.”
Another labelled him a Whitehead clone: “Like Fensom or Whitehead clone. Defensive animal and can also play. Onya Smithies! Excellent work this!!! Well played.”
“Another great Pom signing in the forwards,” was the assessment of another fan.
Smithies did head off for a HIA, which was potentially the only reason that he didn’t play the full 80 minutes, but hopefully he passes and is back with another impressive performance next week.
Like Fensom or Wighthead clone. Defensive animal and can also play. Onya Smithies! Excellent work ethic!!! Well played.
— LeftcurlyRightcurly (@perlarray) March 7, 2024
