Wigan Warriors man tipped for ‘integral’ international role amid ‘perfect balance’

Harry Smith has made the step up to become an ‘international-class’ player in recent times. That’s the belief of Jamie Peacock, who insists the Wigan Warriors man will prove to be ‘integral’ when England host Australia in next year’s Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side completed a 2-0 whitewash over Samoa on Saturday as they beat the tourists 34-16 in their final competitive game of the calendar year. Smith was at the heart of the series victory, with his performances in Tests at Headingley and the Brick Community Stadium, helping England to victory.

His partnership with Warrington Wolves’ George Williams continues to flourish and Smith claimed yet another try assist on the international stage on Saturday as he put Matty Ashton over in the corner with a cut out pass.

Peacock was more than impressed with the 24-year-old’s showing against Samoa in West Yorkshire and with tougher tests on the horizon, he believes the scrum-half could be instrumental for Wane moving forward.

“Harry Smith is a player who I think has gone from a Super League-class player to an international-class player,” Peacock said as part of the BBC’s coverage of the second Test.

“When he’s played against the better opposition in Samoa and Tonga his game has improved and we’ve seen that great passing game that he’s got. His kicking game is outstanding as well and we’ve seen running from him.

“He’s going to be integral. To beat the best teams in the world you need to a half-back who can read the game and move the team around the field with their kicking and build pressure.”

Joining Peacock in providing analysis for the BBC, ex-Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants man Kevin Brown added: “It’s the balance, it’s just absolutely perfect. You’ve got an organising, ball controlling half-back, who has got talent to open up defences, like we saw. But then you’ve got George Williams who is undoubtedly one of the best half-backs in the world.”