Wigan Warriors star lifts lid on Matt Peet’s derby words of wisdom

Wigan Warriors half-back Harry Smith insists that they’re not getting too carried away after beating table-topping Hull KR as he looks ahead to the Good Friday derby against St Helens.

The Warriors host Saints as part of Super League’s Rival Round on Friday, and Smith believes that it’s a game that his side are more than prepared for.

After beating Hull KR last weekend, Wigan are set for another tough test as not only a derby game but it’s also third versus fourth in the Super League table.

In front of a sell-out home crowd, Smith believes that the atmosphere only adds to the occasion.

Speaking to Wigan’s media, he said: “It’s one of the biggest stadiums in the competition that enables you to get massive numbers. The atmosphere starts when you walk through Robin Park Arena and engage with the supporters. You feel their energy, which helps on the field as you understand who you are doing this for.”

The pivot reflected on Wigan’s win at Hull KR, insisting that it’s even more important to back that performance up against St Helens.

He added: “We had to be at our best against an unbeaten side, top of the league, where their supporters are on top of you throughout. It’s an exciting test to see if we can go again on Good Friday, and these weeks are the ones you enjoy more, as you know, you have to prepare to be at your best.”

Smith on Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet and focusing his emotions ahead of St Helens derby

Smith might only be 25 years old, but he’s been preparing for Wigan-Saints derbies since he joined the Warriors junior set-up at the age of 14.

The halfback was the under-19s captain when Wigan beat their rivals to lift the Academy Grand Final trophy back in 2019 and is still playing alongside fellow Academy graduate Ethan Havard from that final in the first team.

It’s a tradition that Smith understands well, and whilst it might just be another Super League game, there are still bragging rights to be claimed with the two points.

He finished: “From scholarship to the first team, they’ve always been good games played to a high standard. From the age of 14, you understand how to train harder and more focused in derby week because it’s such a big game, and you need to be at your best if you want to win.

“Matt (Peet) speaks a lot about not getting too high for any game. You can’t play the game too early in the week because you’ll fatigue yourself. Your emotion leading into the game is mainly focused, and with that comes getting your body ready and working on how you can play well. Hopefully, that approach will help us do well on Good Friday.”