The Grand Final was a low scoring affair that saw Wigan Warriors defeat Catalans Dragons 10-2, however the dominance of the second-half isn’t reflected in that scoreline, with the strings being pulled by England half-back Harry Smith.
Smith is a player who has come in for stick at times during the season, most notably to do with his goal kicking, something that ironically he was perfect at during the playoffs as he made all ten conversions or penalties as he guided Wigan to Grand Final victory.
It’s his in play kicking ability though that saw Catalans nullified and ultimately helped ease Wigan to victory in the second-half at Old Trafford with Smith pinpoint in a true coming-of-age style game.
That’s something that wasn’t missed by England head coach Shaun Wane who had nothing but praise for the young half-back when speaking to the press after announcing his England squad to face Tonga.
On developing as a young half, Wane explained: “It’s been a real challenge for him, but the way he’s finished and the way he’s reacted to things that he’s done really well for a young kid and I think it’s a just reward for him.”
Referencing the criticism that Smith has at times come in for, Wane backed Smith fully whilst encouraging him to take another step.
“You have to get over it. He’s playing Super League and he’s a half at a club where they’ve had some great halves, and with that comes pressure and it makes him grow up quick.
“He knows he needs to improve; and so do people like Jack Welsby and other players in our team, Liam Farrell. Everything is about improvement and we don’t sit here and pat ourselves on the back, we have to get better.
“We fell short in the World Cup and we have to improve and we’re going to have to improve again on Sunday to be a talented team.”
As well as looking ahead to Sunday, there was praise for his Saturday performance and more specifically the control and maturity Smith showed throughout the playoffs.
“The way he managed in the final of the semi’s has been outstanding. There’s a few things in his game he needs to get better at, which he’s aware of and hopefully we’ll see that over the next few weeks.
“When I look at big games like that, the semis and the finals, it’s the players that stand up in them games and that’s what Harry did. I’m not bothered when we play the lower end teams, but the big games, and that’s what really impressed me, how good he was, how composed he was, but he’s going to have another challenge again over the next few weeks when he gets picked to play against a team that’s going to put him under a lot of pressure.”
Smith will almost certainly start in the halves at the weekend with captain and half-back partner George Williams absent, meaning Smith could be the elder statesman at just 23 if he is paired with either Mikey Lewis or Jack Welsby.
England’s Squad to face Tonga
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)
John Bateman (Wests Tigers)
Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)
Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors)
Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)
Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants)
Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons)
Toby King (Wigan Warriors)
Morgan Knowles (St Helens)
Matty Lees (St Helens)
Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)
Tommy Makinson (St Helens)
Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons)
Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards)
Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos)
Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)
Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves)
Jack Welsby (St Helens)
Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)
George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
