It's 'personal' now, admits Wigan Warriors starlet

The Warriors got back to winning ways last time out with a 32-10 victory over Toronto Wolfpack in front of the Sky cameras.

That went some way towards redressing the balance after the previous week’s defeat at Castleford – which Smithies says took some getting over.

“Us middles, we took it personal against Castleford,” said Smithies.

“We just weren’t good enough, and we all took it on board, all the feedback, and put it right against Toronto.

“We know Hull are another big side who will take it to us up the middle.

“And us middles need to be at it and ready for them.

“We’ve spoken as middles and felt there’s not really been one game where we’ve been on top throughout the whole game.

“We know we need to be good this weekend because Hull will be ready.”

Wigan are expected to challenge for silverware this term after finishing last year with nothing.

And Smithies says the fear of failure is a major motivation for the whole squad.

“I feel like we’ve got something to prove to ourselves, that we’re capable of winning stuff this year,” he revealed.

“Coming into the season, the mindset was we need to win a trophy...whether it’s the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ or the Grand Final.

“And I think this week will be a good test of where we are as a team, and as individuals as well.”

This year is Smithies’ first full season in the first team, having been fast tracked from the Academy during an injury crisis last term.

“Last year I was kind of thrown into it, I think it was four games in,” he said.

“This time, I’ve had a full pre-season with the first team and that’s given me added confidence.”