Morgan Smithies set for NRL move as Wigan Warriors forward heads down under

[Dan2266]

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... s-27918714

As said the other week now backed up by Matthew Shaw

[Crossy210]

Does this mean Farrell is coming in or will Thompson play loose?

[josie andrews]

The loose forward has secured a deal in the NRL for the 2024 season.

Morgan Smithies looks set to be an NRL player next season, with Wigan Warriors' Grand Final-winning loose forward closing in on a move Canberra Raiders. Rugby League Live understands the England international is on the verge of finalising a move to go down under in a deal which will see the Warriors receive a substantial transfer fee.

The Raiders are believed to be on the verge of finalising a deal for Smithies, who has emerged as one of Super League's best young forwards in recent years. One of the best defenders in the competition, Halifax-born Smithies played the full eighty minutes at Old Trafford on Saturday, topping the tackle count for the match with 55.

He has been a mainstay in the Wigan side since bursting on the scene as a teenager. Now 22, he has amassed over 100 appearances in cherry and white, winning every domestic trophy on offer in the process. Now, a new challenge awaits, with Smithies set to become the fourth player in recent years to swap Wigan for Canberra. He will follow the same path taken by John Bateman, George Williams and Harry Rushton.

Wigan Warriors-bound Adam Keighran banned after Grand Final sin-bin
Wigan, of course, have recruited extensively for 2024, with their new additions including England forward Luke Thompson next year. Young forward Tiaki Chan and Sam Walters, from Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos respectively, will also bolster Matt Peet's pack options next year and they signed Tyler Dupree from Salford mid-season.

Smithies made his England debut in the mid-season test against France and ends the campaign having played 31 games for the Warriors. He ended the season fourth in Super League's tackle charts and a success rate of 95.8%.


https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... s-27918714

[josie andrews]

Not a happy chappie!

[Charriots Offiah]

Not a happy chappie!

I bet your not Josie!

[PoppaG]

Was always going to happen at some point I recon - just wish we'd have got another couple of years out of him

[southportcdm]

Very disappointing but perhaps explains why we've signed so many 'middles'. I too think Thompson will play at 13. Hope we still have a signing to make to ease the blow. Morgan always gives everything, best of luck to him in the NRL.

[the pieman]

good luck to him if its true

he's given his all in cherry and white, and whilst disappointing when it feels like we are on the verge of something big, you cant knock the lad for wanting to test himself over there

just hope we dont suffer from years of disruption, like when we had that feeling that something was coming along, before Sam, Joel, Josh etc etc all moved on (came back) as i think we would have had at least another couple of GF wins in the bag if they had all stayed

[Dan2266]

Does this mean Farrell is coming in or will Thompson play loose?

There is a feeling inside the club that Farrell is closer than ever, they're optimistic it gets done.

[Graham1]

Brad Oneill and Kade Ellis. Both can cover there. As well as Thompson.