Super League star signs for Australian agency

[josie andrews]

There is talk about a lot of English players heading over to Australia lately.

This went into overdrive after the World Cup and were furthered by St Helens’ triumph over Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge which saw interest in Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd reach a zenith.

Dodd signed with an Australian agent after this and now another England star has signed for an Australian agent.

Wigan Warriors star loose-forward Morgan Smithies is the latest to do so. Smithies made his England debut against France and it was certainly deserved.

The loose-forward took on the famous number 13 shirt this year after John Bateman moved to Wests Tigers in 2023.

Smithies has signed for Australian Agency Ultra Management.

The agency is located in Sydney and describes itself as “the premier sports agency in the industry.”

They made the following statement on Instagram: “After earning his first test cap for England and 100+ Super League games at just 22, we are looking forward to working with Morgan into the next phase of his promising career.”

The agency represents NRL stars like Anthony Milford, Brian To’o, Clint Gutherson, Daniel Tupou and Hudson Young

However, Wigan fans shouldn’t panic that it means he will move to Australia.

The agency represents Wigan teammate Joe Shorrocks as well as Super League stars like Ken Sio of Salford Red Devils, Aidan Sezer of Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity’s Kelepi Tanginoa, St Helens’ Joey Lussick, Catalans Dragons’ Ben Garcia and Adam Keighran as well as former Super League star Jackson Hastings.

Recently departed Hull FC forward Kane Evans is also on their books.


https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/super-le ... ncy-75699/

[The Pearl1]

Bye Morgan

[medlocke]

Only one reason for doing this, Let him go, we only want players who want to play for the club, not all that good anyway

[josie andrews]

FFS!! He does want to play for this club. You should have seen him when he got the 13 shirt, he was proud as Punch.

What’s wrong with him signing with an agency that could increase his negotiations for pay increases!

Not everyone who has Aussie managers want to go to Oz immediately or in the future. Maybe the guy he had wasn’t promoting him enough?

He will be the next scapegoat along with Harry Smith! At least it may give Sam Powell a rest…. for all of 20 minutes!!

[Exiled Wiganer]

I think it’s entirely fair for us to see this as bad news. I don’t know how long his contract is, but if he puts in full effort to the end of it then he has done his side of the deal. I will reserve judgement for now, but, if he looks to leave early or starts shirking (or doing a Gildart) as soon he gets an NRL gig, he will deserve to be criticised. As for scapegoats, is Smith one? I think he gets a lot of praise for his overall play. His goal kicking is a problem at the moment, but everyone knows that. And he is worth his place regardless of his kicking.

The Powell issue isn’t even about him as such. He is a non running hooker and so a target for those of us who think a running hooker is better. While those who don’t are happier/more relaxed. That’s a philosophical debate that can’t resolve itself because the starting points are completely different. As Tony Benn said: “No final victory, and no final defeat.”

[nathan_rugby]

FFS!! He does want to play for this club. You should have seen him when he got the 13 shirt, he was proud as Punch.

What’s wrong with him signing with an agency that could increase his negotiations for pay increases!

Not everyone who has Aussie managers want to go to Oz immediately or in the future. Maybe the guy he had wasn’t promoting him enough?

He will be the next scapegoat along with Harry Smith! At least it may give Sam Powell a rest…. for all of 20 minutes!!

Already is because of “penalties”, “hot temper” or “never passes”.

We will miss him if he ever goes. Absolutely immense work rate in defence and only 22.