Hull of a chance for Harry Smith to impress

The 21-year-old started alongside Jackson Hastings at halfback in Thursday’s impressive 22-12 victory against Castleford.

And he is set to keep the spot for the next two weeks as captain Thomas Leuluai nurses a sternum injury.

Wigan face Hull FC in their next two matches, next Thursday in Super League and nine days later in a crunch Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Coach Lam, himself a champion halfback in his day, has been working closely with Smith (right) to finesse his performances.

“Harry was good for most of the game against Cas,” said Lam. “He’s got areas there he’s still learning and keep getting better. He’s aware of that and I’m working hard with him on that.

“But he’s a competitor and that’s what we love about him. And every game he plays with Jackson is only going to make him better.”

Leuluai is the fifth frontline player to be ruled out through injury along with Oliver Gildart, Dom Manfredi, Jai Field and Liam Marshall.

“Tommy’s got a bit of an issue with his sternium so we’ve just got to manage that over the next couple of weeks,” added Lam.