Morgan Smithies working hard on a farm during lockdown

Morgan Smithies has settled back into farm life as he waits for the lockdown to finish.
Wigan youngster Morgan SmithiesWigan youngster Morgan Smithies
Wigan youngster Morgan Smithies

And the Wigan forward is keeping fit by repairing stone walls and long runs around his family property.

The 19-year-old returned to Halifax, in Yorkshire, when the social distancing measures were brought in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And while boredom is creeping into even some of the most patient people during the lockdown, Smithies has not been short of activities. “We live on a farm in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “It was my grandad’s and though he’s retired, there are a few sheep, cows and chickens.

“I’ve helped my brother with the cows and whenever I get bored, I just ask because there are always jobs that need doing.

“I’ve recently been replacing the dry stone walling, where the cows have knocked them over. It’s been quite fun, quite enjoyable learning a new skill.”

Smithies was one of the success stories of 2019, breaking into Adrian Lam’s side and going on to not only cement a spot, but claim a Super League record for the most tackles in a game – with 72.

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.