WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
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WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Smith’s rise has been meteoric for Wigan and he starred during the 2024 season, helping the Warriors to the quadruple of the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and the Super League Grand Final.
Of course, the halfback’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and, with Shaun Wane calling up Smith to the England squad for the nation’s two-game Test Series, the 24-year-old has been thrust further into the limelight.
Now Fox Sports believes that Smith will be at the forefront of NRL clubs’ minds when thinking about adding a new playmaker.
The report says: “Given the current shortage of halves in the NRL, clubs are always on the lookout for playmaking talent.
“Lewis Dodd is set to arrive at the Rabbitohs in 2025, and George Williams has previously enjoyed a successful stint at the Raiders before returning home.
“So, who could be the next English half to make the move across the pond? Wigan’s Harry Smith could be at the top of that list.”
After explaining Smith’s contribution to Wigan, Fox Sports then concluded with: “He’s previously been on the radar of a host of NRL clubs and strong performances for England could see recruitment managers come knocking in the hopes of an early release.”
However, getting any such early release would be a mighty task given Wigan’s commitment to Smith. For example, Warriors’ chief executive Kris Radlinski said Penrith Panthers hero Nathan Cleary would not get in the Wigan team due to Smith.
“I will probably be the only club (CEO) in the world to say that (Nathan) Cleary wouldn’t get in our team,” Radlinski previously told SEN Radio.
“At the minute, I have a guy at number seven called Harry Smith who had an outstanding Grand Final.
We have got him long-term and I truly believe that he is our future number seven.
“I love what Cleary has done, the relationship he has built with his father and what he has done for the game but I just don’t think he gets in our team.”
https://www.totalrl.com/wigan-warriors- ... nrl-clubs/
Of course, the halfback’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and, with Shaun Wane calling up Smith to the England squad for the nation’s two-game Test Series, the 24-year-old has been thrust further into the limelight.
Now Fox Sports believes that Smith will be at the forefront of NRL clubs’ minds when thinking about adding a new playmaker.
The report says: “Given the current shortage of halves in the NRL, clubs are always on the lookout for playmaking talent.
“Lewis Dodd is set to arrive at the Rabbitohs in 2025, and George Williams has previously enjoyed a successful stint at the Raiders before returning home.
“So, who could be the next English half to make the move across the pond? Wigan’s Harry Smith could be at the top of that list.”
After explaining Smith’s contribution to Wigan, Fox Sports then concluded with: “He’s previously been on the radar of a host of NRL clubs and strong performances for England could see recruitment managers come knocking in the hopes of an early release.”
However, getting any such early release would be a mighty task given Wigan’s commitment to Smith. For example, Warriors’ chief executive Kris Radlinski said Penrith Panthers hero Nathan Cleary would not get in the Wigan team due to Smith.
“I will probably be the only club (CEO) in the world to say that (Nathan) Cleary wouldn’t get in our team,” Radlinski previously told SEN Radio.
“At the minute, I have a guy at number seven called Harry Smith who had an outstanding Grand Final.
We have got him long-term and I truly believe that he is our future number seven.
“I love what Cleary has done, the relationship he has built with his father and what he has done for the game but I just don’t think he gets in our team.”
https://www.totalrl.com/wigan-warriors- ... nrl-clubs/
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
- Wigan_forever1985
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Smiths build and game are more suited to the SuperLeague than NRL IMO
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
I think Harry will be a vital part of any success we have over the next few years. He's still improving and I'm assuming (just my impression, I don't know him) that he's very happy here and isn't looking to move in the near future. If this assumption is correct, our main concern is to make certain that we're ready for the day that Bevan goes back home. I think this is more likely to occur before Harry considers a move if he ever does. This means that we need to make certain that Harry and Jack can play effectively as a pair when the time comes. I know they're both considered to be scrum halves but I see no reason why they can't develop a great partnership especially given the fact that Jake is so young. We need to allow Jack Farrimond to develop his game so that he's ready to partner Harry when Bevan goes (I think) at the end of 2025 or 2026. Having Jake ready by the end of next season may be a bit of a rush whilst 2026 would give us more time but with the added problem of keeping Jack happy as a back up until then.
Last edited by southportcdm on Wed Oct 30, 2024 6:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Bevan is contracted to the end of 2028 and shows no sign of a desire to return to Oz. Harry has a young family but may be tempted by the NRL big bucks in a season or two. In the short term I think that Jack Farrimond will be happy to develop his game with us providing he gets first team opportunities. It remains to be seen whether he will be tempted away if Harry decides to remain with us until his current contract ends in 2027.
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Personally i think Smith will be here as long as we want him he seems a very grounded lad
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
You can be as grounded as you like, the allure of mega bucks, a warmer climate and a much healthier financial future for yourself and your family can turn anyone's head. I don't begrudge any player from wanting that. The NRL is far and away the better league and players will want to test themselves over there. It doesn't mean they're not 'grounded' to want that for themselves and their familyWigan_forever1985 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 30, 2024 3:34 pm Personally i think Smith will be here as long as we want him he seems a very grounded lad
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Samoa star Jarome Luai names the one Super League side he’d consider
Departing Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai has made a surprise Super League admission in an interview this week.
The 27-year-old has been stand-off for the Panthers’ four Premiership wins in a row, and lined up for Samoa against England at the Brick Community Stadium this week.
He has signed for Wests Tigers ahead of 2025 on a huge five-year deal, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season, and this shows he’s not someone to shy away from a challenge
Luai also played in all three games for New South Wales in their State of Origin series victory this year, and is undoubtedly one of the sport’s biggest stars right now.
He captained his country for the first time in Wigan at the weekend.
Samoa star Jarome Luai names the one Super League side he would consider
Luai told The Mirror ahead of the Test series, when asked whether he’d consider moving to Super League: “Yes, I’m definitely open to it. I think a lot of stereotypes put the NRL above Super League.
But the games I’ve watched, and being here in the World Club Challenge, I definitely feel it’s pretty even.
“There’s a lot of great players here and we get to come up against these guys now – the best of the best in Super League – with Samoa.”
He’s witnessed some of Super League’s quality first hand, as although he didn’t play, his Penrith Panthers side were defeated by Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge this year.
He also started as stand-off when they were defeated by St Helens in 2023.
His deal ties him down to Wests until he’s 32 years old, but this isn’t stopping Luai from thinking of making the journey to the UK then.
Asked which side he’d be hoping to sign for, he concluded: “I’d be 32 or 33 by then. We’ll see how I go. But… Wigan!”
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/super-le ... 638-98638/
Departing Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai has made a surprise Super League admission in an interview this week.
The 27-year-old has been stand-off for the Panthers’ four Premiership wins in a row, and lined up for Samoa against England at the Brick Community Stadium this week.
He has signed for Wests Tigers ahead of 2025 on a huge five-year deal, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season, and this shows he’s not someone to shy away from a challenge
Luai also played in all three games for New South Wales in their State of Origin series victory this year, and is undoubtedly one of the sport’s biggest stars right now.
He captained his country for the first time in Wigan at the weekend.
Samoa star Jarome Luai names the one Super League side he would consider
Luai told The Mirror ahead of the Test series, when asked whether he’d consider moving to Super League: “Yes, I’m definitely open to it. I think a lot of stereotypes put the NRL above Super League.
But the games I’ve watched, and being here in the World Club Challenge, I definitely feel it’s pretty even.
“There’s a lot of great players here and we get to come up against these guys now – the best of the best in Super League – with Samoa.”
He’s witnessed some of Super League’s quality first hand, as although he didn’t play, his Penrith Panthers side were defeated by Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge this year.
He also started as stand-off when they were defeated by St Helens in 2023.
His deal ties him down to Wests until he’s 32 years old, but this isn’t stopping Luai from thinking of making the journey to the UK then.
Asked which side he’d be hoping to sign for, he concluded: “I’d be 32 or 33 by then. We’ll see how I go. But… Wigan!”
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/super-le ... 638-98638/
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Luai will leave Wests in 2027 and sign for Wigan and Harry Smith will go to Parramatta, Mago will sign for Barrow, I also have a the winning numbers for Saturdays Lottery, watch this space
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Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
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- Location: Howe Bridge
- Contact:
Re: WIGAN WARRIORS halfback Harry Smith “could be at the top of the list” for NRL clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Smith will:
Leave, fail, sign for Warrington “to win trophies”
Hope Smith stays but the NRL one day he will go.
In Farrimond we trust (Leigh Miners bias there)
Leave, fail, sign for Warrington “to win trophies”
Hope Smith stays but the NRL one day he will go.
In Farrimond we trust (Leigh Miners bias there)
https://www.ancientandloyal.com/
James Slevin
Ces Mountford
And the “kind of rugby player you’d want to be in your dreams” James Leytham
Should be in the Wigan Warriors Hall
Of Fame
James Slevin
Ces Mountford
And the “kind of rugby player you’d want to be in your dreams” James Leytham
Should be in the Wigan Warriors Hall
Of Fame