Wigan Warriors’ Morgan Smithies is ‘disrespected’ according to leading rugby league agent

When talking about young rugby league players in Super League, a number of names often get bandied about.

Those such as Hull KR star Mikey Lewis, Warrington Wolves pair Josh Thewlis and Connor Wrench, St Helens’ constant conveyor belt of youth and Catalans Dragons’ young Frenchmen coming through are all worthy names to be mentioned.

But, one name that barely does get a mention is that of Wigan Warriors’ 21-year-old Morgan Smithies.

The tough and uncompromising forward is one of the best and most keen tacklers in the top flight, yet he rarely gets a look in when discussing top, young players in Super League.

And, according to his agent, Craig Harrison of Show Me The Money UK, that is completely and utterly wrong.

“Morgan Smithies he gets so disrespected,” Harrison said on The Full Eighty Minutes podcast.

“Players talk about young players and he never gets mentioned because they think he is 30.

“He is only 21 and they go ‘eh?’ Mikey Lewis is the same age as him but Morgan looks like a veteran.”

Harrison also hailed Wigan head coach Matty Peet for the way in which he waxes lyrical about the youngster, too.

“He is a cert for England. I’ll give Matty Peet his due, he says he gets a lot of people talking about youngsters but knows Morgan is the real deal, playing at the top week in week out.

“He has got the best wrap on the floor and he is unbelievable, I reckon Morgan was tackling as a baby.”

Of course, Smithies holds the record for the number of tackles made in a game which was 72 back in a Super League play-off tie against the Salford Red Devils.

And, with England head coach Shaun Wane having that Wigan link, don’t be surprised to see the 21-year-old in the reckoning for the World Cup at the end of the year.