Morgan Smithies has been included in Shaun Wane’s 19-player squad for the second ABK Beer Ashes Test at Everton on Saturday and has emphasised that it will be “up to him” to prove he’s worthy of wearing the England jersey.
Smithies made his international debut against France in 2023, where he started at loose forward in England’s comprehensive 64-0 victory.
And tomorrow, Smithies could earn his second England cap when the Ashes series heads to a sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“It would be a massive honour and a privilege to run out on Saturday,” said Smithies. “It’s been a few years now, and I’ll be full of pride – I’m a proud Englishman.
“It does feel like a long time, but I can’t wait to get out there and play with the boys.
“It’s do or die this weekend, so I want to do all I can for my team-mates and my country.”
Despite not featuring in the Tonga and Samoa series and narrowly missing out on the Wembley Ashes Test, Smithies has been getting stuck into life in the England camp and patiently biding his time.
He’s also been helping to motivate the rest of the squad as they've been preparing to face Australia in the first Ashes series for 22 years.
“It’s good be a part of, and I’ve learnt a lot in the camps. You do want to be playing, and now I’ve got my opportunity, so I’ve got to take it with both hands.
“We prepped really well last week but didn’t get the result we wanted. We’ve had another good week of training this week – which has been even better than the week before – and we’re keen to get out there.
“We didn’t want that Wembley result at all.”
Smithies has been enjoying life over in the NRL for the past two seasons, becoming a mainstay in Ricky Stuart’s Canberra Raiders side.
The 24-year-old boasts reliable defence in the middle and the ability to play big minutes - something which has hugely impressed and caught the eye of the England head coach.
Back in August, Smithies also helped Canberra finish top of the pile and seal their first Minor Premiership since 1990.
This Saturday, he could come up against club team-mate Hudson Young, who is set to line up once again for Kevin Walters' Kangaroos:
“It’ll be a good contest. I’m looking forward to it – I’ll get into him a bit!
“He’s a class player, otherwise he wouldn’t be in the Australia squad. He’s Origin level as well and brings a lot to the team.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
And Smithies knows all about playing for and against the Australian players:
“I play against the Aussies week in, week out in the NRL. They are obviously a very, very fit side and they have a lot of skill and class about them.
“But for us this is another great challenge.”
On Everton, Smithies is relishing the occasion:
“This is what dreams are made of – you want to be playing in stadiums like Everton’s.
“We need a big turnout from the English fans and I’m sure we’ll get it. We just want to do them proud.”
How hungry is Smithies for another England appearance?
“Not playing last year did spur me on to have a big pre-season at Canberra so I could earn that call-up!" he admitted.
“It was a great year with the Raiders, we were consistent and then we just fell at the last hurdle in the finals, which did hurt.
“Since that game I’ve been buzzing to get back out and play.”
Can England set things right and make it 1-1 in Test Two? Smithies and the England team will need your backing!
Will you be bringing the noise in Saturday's sell-out crowd?
The ABK Beer Ashes Series continues on Saturday 1 November as the Second Test heads to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (K.O. 2:30pm).
It’s a complete sell-out, and Shaun Wane’s men need you now more than ever as England look to level the series!
The match will also be available to watch live on BBC One, with information on overseas coverage available here.
