It’s been quite the year for England half-back Harry Smith. After winning his first Super League Grand Final with Wigan Warriors two weeks ago, the 23-year-old played a starring role for England in their opening test win against Tonga.
Smith enjoyed his first taste of international rugby league during England’s mid-season international against France in April – playing in the halves with England captain George Williams.
But after Williams’ suspension ruled him out of the opening two tests against Tonga, Smith had a new half-back partner in Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis. Although the pair had limited time to prepare for their first game together last Sunday, they slotted seamlessly into the England side and perfectly complimented one another’s strengths on the field.
“It’s been really good,” insisted Smith.
“I thought our combinations worked well – he’s [Mikey Lewis] more of a runner and me, more of an organiser. I thought that showed in glimpses on the field, we’ve just got to do it for longer periods and hopefully we can do that.”
Smith and Lewis will again line up together at Huddersfield on Saturday. But England head coach Shaun Wane revealed this week that Williams will return for the final test at AMT Headingley, meaning the current half-back partnership will be playing for a shirt in the third test when they take the field on Saturday.
“He’ll play, George, and be captain,” explained Wane during his mid-week press conference.
“He’s a great player and brings a lot to us. I’m very happy with what Harry’s doing – and Mikey – but we have to get better.”
And Wane was pleased with Smith’s endeavour during the first test – particularly in the defensive elements of the half-backs game.
“He created a try with that inside pressure, they [Tonga] dropped the ball and Tom Johnstone scored. He did some good things and it’s an area where he has to be, because he’s not the biggest. There’s areas where he has to be better and he works on that daily. He’s an avid learner, a good lad and he’s tough.”
Smith and the rest of the England squad returned to training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s test at the John Smith’s Stadium – and the Warriors half-back admitted the team must improve if they want to secure a test series win this weekend.
“There’s been a lot of energy and a lot of togetherness but also a will to improve - because if we don’t improve, we’re not going to win test two. It’s been a good week, we got some good training sessions in and hopefully that’ll show on Saturday.
“They’ll be bringing their best physicality and we’re going to have to match that. Obviously, they’re going to improve and have a bit more combinations like we will as well. It’s just about who’s learnt the most and can adapt their game the best to suit the game.”
Despite being in enemy territory last Sunday in the opening test at St Helens, Wigan’s Harry Smith was pleased with the fans reception and hopes to see more of the same in Huddersfield this time round.
“It was nice to actually get someone cheering for you at St Helens! That was good. As many fans as possible we can get down [to Huddersfield] – this is the pinnacle of the game, playing international rugby, it’s the best standard. We’re thankful for all that came out and hopefully we can get more down at Huddersfield as well.”
Tickets for the Saturday’s match at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium, and for game three of the series at Headingley Stadium, Leeds, are on sale now at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague from only £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s. The latter is a double-header featuring England Women versus Wales.
