Wigan Warriors half-back Harry Smith admits facing Hull KR next week is going to be their toughest challenge of 2025 yet but admits that having the week off to prepare is only a positive for them.
The Warriors were knocked out of the Challenge Cup in the round of 16 in a 26-22 loss to Hull FC, meaning they have this week off and will now fully focus on retaining their Super League title.
Smith himself has admitted that his game is changing in 2025 and hopes that it can only help his side on their journey to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the club’s media, he said: “My role is to organise but this season, I’ve tried adding more off-the-cuff rugby to my game.
“Last year, I was creating space for others to get the assists but now I’m working hard on getting in the right place at the right time myself.”
To prepare for the Hull KR game next week, the Wigan Warriors half said it’s allowed the team to refocus whilst other teams may be starting to fatigue from being in both competitions still.
He added: “Of course, we’d rather be playing in the Cup this weekend, but we’ve got to take the positives from the situation we are in to keep moving forward.
“It’s hard to get high-intensity sessions in all the time because you always have one eye on being fresh for the game.
“We can take the positives that this is an opportunity to work in short, sharp sessions, whilst building togetherness.
“Hitting the intensity high this week will put us in great stead leading into Hull KR.”
Looking ahead to their match-up with Hull KR on Friday 11th April, Smith is expecting an intense game between the two sides and wants them to push on as the season gets into its full swing.
He said: “It’ll be massive. They’re unbeaten so far this season, they’ll be out for revenge from the Grand Final and Craven Park is a tough place to go which all presents a difficult challenge. Both teams have motivating factors which will form a great game between two strong sides.
“Our performances, the way we want to play, and our attitude has been right but now we need to keep pushing on to get momentum in our season.”
Smith is also looking forward to a home Ashes series and as an Everton fan, it adds an extra touch for wanting to make Shaun Wane’s final roster.
He finished: “The whole series will be brilliant. It’s such a big occasion that players and supporters can look forward to. Being one of the first teams to experience Everton’s new stadium will make that test extra special.
“The first step though is to keep playing well to earn selection. The Super League competition has started strongly and having an Ashes series at the end of the season will provide extra motivation for players to show Waney and his staff we can do a job at the next level.”
