Smith ready to fight for England role

And the halfback is hoping he can strengthen his case with his performances for Wigan over the summer, starting with tonight’s clash at Hull KR.

Smith was the England No.7 in the 2014 Four Nations, and last year was man of the match in a Test against New Zealand which sealed a 2-1 series triumph.

But he admits Luke Gale’s good form for Castleford – and the possibility new coach Bennett will look at Australian-born halfbacks – has dialed up competition.

Brisbane coach Bennett is due in the UK next week.

Smith said: “I want to be fighting for the England shirt, at the minute I think I’m in a good position but need to keep playing well.

“I don’t know who’s going to put their hand up to play for England, I’m sure there are a few Aussies who want to do that.

“I don’t know who’s going to put their hand up from over there, so there will be a lot of competition.

“Gale is going well at the minute, I like the way he plays.

“But there are a lot more halves than Luke Gale and me, so it’s about concentrating on my form.

“At this stage of the year I don’t think the team is picked.”

Smith has been particularly impressive in Wigan’s last two wins, away at Castleford and Salford – games in which he hit crucial drop-goals. And he seems to be benefiting from the return to action of halfback partner George Williams and full-back Sam Tomkins.

The 28-year-old said: “I love playing alongside George, we’re different kinds of player.

“It’s a bit like the halfbacks at Hull KR, Terry Campese and Albert Kelly. They work well together – one is off-the-cuff, the other more an organiser – and we need a run of games together.

“It helps having Sam out the back as well.

“Everyone knows we’re a pretty structured side so having seven, six and one playing together, we’ve shown over last two weeks we look a different side with George and Sam back.”

Wigan are hunting a fourth straight win on their travels tonight, following victories over Leeds (at the Magic Weekend), Castleford and Salford.

And Smith suggested a change to their pre-game routine may have helped – having the club’s chef travel to the away games with them! He said: “It’s helped us massively having the chef with us.

“He serves food on the coach, and we’re eating at the right times.

“Last year we were eating too early, five hours before a game, and now we’re eating on the bus. That’s the only thing we’re doing differently.”