Harry Smith reflects on ‘biggest game’ of his career

Challenge Cup hero Harry Smith says the final was the biggest game of his career to date.

And at the age of just 22, Smith became a Wigan hero at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, assisting the winning try for Liam Marshall on the 76th minute.

With a crowd of 50,000 inside the stadium and over 1million watching on the BBC, Smith kicked the winning assist that saw his side lift their first Challenge Cup title since 2013, while also converting two from three attempts on the day.

The academy product also scored the club’s first try, racing onto an offload from forward Morgan Smithies.

Harry Smith reflects on Challenge Cup triumph

“It was an absolutely brilliant stadium,” Smith told Love Rugby League, reflecting on the occasion. “Coming out for the warm up and seeing the Wigan fans, it was brilliant.

“We spoke about the fact that it could go right to the end and we should be ready for that. We let ourselves down a bit in the first half and made too many errors and discipline let us down.

“But I thought we came out in the second half and got back on game plan and got back on top and it was a good moment, a bit off-the-cuff to get that win in the end.”

Harry Smith growing in confidence

A three-time academy winner with the Warriors, Smith made his first team debut in 2019 against Catalans.

His performances saw him rewarded with an England Knights call up, featuring in the win over Jamaica in October 2019. Smith played every game for Wigan in 2021, a total of 28, a crucial part of his journey so far at the DW Stadium.

To date, he has made 48 Super League appearances, and has described the final as his biggest yet.

Asked if it was the best win of his career, he told Love Rugby League: “Yeah, definitely. The biggest game I’ve been involved in as a player. To be able to do it for Wigan, my family, the team and the club, it was just fantastic. It’s one I’ll remember forever.

“I’ve gained a lot of confidence from the last few games. Playing regularly, that’s what I feel like I needed.

“It’s helped with the team playing well and I’ve had good players playing around me. I’ve also gained a lot of confidence from the coaches.”

Wigan feature on Channel 4 this Saturday as they travel to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to face Castleford.

They will be without suspended Morgan Smithies, while captain Thomas Leuluai also misses out. Sam Powell however will return from his six-match ban. 

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