Best is yet to come from Wigan Warriors starlet, admits Adrian Lam

The 20-year-old has been thrust into the first team in the absence of Sam Powell, but has more than held his own alongside marquee recruit Jackson Hastings at half-back.

And Lam – himself a legendary No.7 in his pomp – has been giving the youngster the benefit of his experience of finding his feet in such a pivotal position.

When asked had he been giving Smith extra guidance, Lam replied: “Yeah, of course.

“He’s only just turned 19, and he’s got an awful lot still to learn about the game...game sense, game awareness, composure, mindset, the psychological side of things.

“But he’s one to listen and take it all on board, and he’s going well.

“As a half, somebody gave me an opportunity at a young age.

“I know how grateful I was for that, and I know how grateful Harry is for his.

“He’s a good kid, he’s respected by his peers already, they know what he’s capable of doing.

“He’s got to keep getting better, he understands that, and we’re all looking forward to that.”

Powell – who has been missing since being concussed against Warrington Wolves in round one – is hoping to be available for Sunday’s visit of Hull FC.

But Lam says Smith is in the side on merit at the moment.

“We lost at Castleford, but had the confidence to stick with Harry and give him another go,” the Warriors chief acknowledged.

“Again I feel he offers us a point of difference, with his kicking game.

“He obviously scored the first try against Toronto and I was very happy with the way he played.”

Lam was also pleased with the performances against the Wolfpack of Joe Bullock and Mitch Clark, who were making their seasonal bows.

“I was really happy for Mitch, he’s worked hard in the off season to get where he is,” Lam said.

“Toronto found him a hard man to handle, as did we when he played for Castleford.

“That’s what he’s capable of, and he’s just got to maintain that week after week.

“Joe’s a player we need in our 17, he has something a little bit different to everyone else.

“With his size and the leg speed of his carries, he’s an important part of the side.

“He’s got to keep working hard and holding on to the spot.

“There were a few players who were 50/50 last week – Ben Flower, Dom Manfredi, George Burgess, Sam Powell – who we’re looking at maybe coming back in.

“We’ve got an extra long week this week, with Thursday to Sunday, and with the extra session hopefully they’ll be right for the weekend.”