Harry Smith on Wigan Warriors’ last-tackle plays, Paul Deacon influence and evolving running game
Wigan Warriors’ last-tackle execution has been a key feature of their strong start to the 2026 season, with halfback general Harry Smith at the centre of that progress.
Matt Peet’s side have made a stellar start to the campaign, with their kicking game and end-of-set organisation proving a consistent strength in the first couple of months of action. Smith, as the team’s primary organiser and kicker, has been central to that area, but he is quick to pay credit to the collective, as well as the influence of assistant coach Paul Deacon, who is tasked with fine-tuning first and last plays.
“I think there are a lot of people who could put their hands up for the credit – the lads as a group are working on it,” Smith said when asked about Wigan’s impressive last-tackle plays. “But Deacs has pushed a bit more focus on it, doing video on it, sitting down, talking about it, what we think works and what doesn’t, and putting a plan together on how we can attack and score from last plays.
"So, there has been more of a detailed focus rather than just ‘let’s kick it to a certain area’, and we’re buying into our chases a bit more – I think that’s what Deacs has especially brought in.”
That increased emphasis has been evident in Wigan’s ability to turn pressure into points, with a more structured and deliberate approach to attacking and defending last-tackle plays.
Like anything in life, preparation and practice are key, with Smith outlining the volume of work that goes into refining the kicking game, both individually and as a unit.
"We do a lot of kicking practice,” said Smith. “In pre-season, it’s probably every day, if not every other day, before and sometimes after training, then once you get into the season, depending on the turnaround of games, it’s probably after every session.
“The volume probably just depends on how fresh you’re feeling, but it’s pretty much every day. That’s not just the kickers either, the backs are there to catch the balls and work on their reps as well to defend, and attack kicks.”
Despite dealing with a disrupted pre-season due to a wrist injury, Smith has begun the season in strong form. While unable to complete full contact work for the majority of pre-season, he focused on maintaining his conditioning and strength, particularly lower body – something he believes has allowed him to contribute effectively as the campaign has gained momentum.
"I think a lot of the lads have come in well from the pre-season,” said the England international. “Even though I wasn’t able to do a lot of contact, I did a lot of running and as much gym as I could to get fit and strong.
"I feel like we’ve adapted well to the new rules. We took it upon ourselves to be ready and adapted to the change of ruck speed, and it suits us well with the backline we’ve got and with our forwards, who are laying the platform and allowing us to get the quick rucks. It’s certainly helping us and making it easier for me, so long may it continue, and we will hopefully keep building the momentum we’ve got, keep pushing it and keep getting better.”
The changes to ruck speed in Super League this season have had a noticeable impact on attacking structures, and Smith believes the Warriors have worked hard on being quick to take advantage. The platform laid by a very mobile forward pack has created more space for the playmakers, allowing Smith and Co to vary their approach.
One area of development has been his running game, with the halfback increasingly taking on the defensive line rather than relying solely on his organisational and kicking strengths.
"100 per cent,” the 26-year-old added. “It’s always been like that since coming through into the first-team, Matty (Peet), Tommy (Leuluai) and coaches before them, about being a number seven, organisation and kicking is really good, but it’s always been about adding that running game as well.
"It’s always been something I’ve tried to push and focus on, and try to keep developing. The quick rucks help with that. There is a bit more space for the first receiver now, with the quick rucks, you can almost get your running game on more.
"You can’t rely on what you’ve got, you’ve got to keep improving, and that’s an area which I need to keep improving, and hopefully it helps the team as well as myself.”
That willingness to evolve reflects a broader mindset within the squad, with continuous improvement always seen as essential at Wigan, despite a bright start to the year.
Smith also acknowledged that the quicker rucks have subtly influenced his overall approach, particularly in terms of recognising opportunities to run with the ball and take on opposition defences.
“Just the running stuff, trying to look for that a bit more,” Smith replied when asked whether he had changed his approach to the game due to the quick rucks. “It’s just about taking that opportunity more, and with the quicker ruck speed, there is a bit more time and space for the first receiver on the ball, which is where I usually end up, with the loose forwards and the middles, so there is a bit more space around there.
"I wouldn’t say personally I have (changed my approach) too much, but it’s maybe a mentality thing, wanting our middles to win those rucks for us and then we can go off the back of that.”