'The pinnacle' - Wigan Warriors star Harry Smith savours England honour as Ashes dream becomes reality
Harry Smith has experienced his fair share of trophy-laden success with Wigan Warriors, but nothing quite compares to pulling on the England jersey and representing his country in an Ashes series against Australia.
Having missed out on selection in Shaun Wane’s line-up for the opening Test defeat at Wembley, Smith was recalled by England boss Wane for the second Test on Saturday at a sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It was a much-improved performance from England last weekend, going down to a 14-4 defeat against world champions Australia, having suffered a disappointing 26-6 loss the week prior.
Speaking to Wigan Today ahead of the third and final Test, Smith admitted that despite all he has achieved in the famous cherry and white jersey, lining up for England in the first Ashes series in 22 years is the ultimate honour from a personal point of view.
“I think it’s probably the pinnacle I see it as, playing for your country,” Smith said.
"I remember growing up watching the (Great Britain) Lions tours and watching the England lads play in World Cups, wanting to try to make it one day.
"I see it as the pinnacle, especially in an Ashes series in such a big rivalry and in such big games, sold-out arenas, it just makes the event and game even better – it’s definitely the pinnacle and one I’m really enjoying.
“The camp has been enjoyable, there are a lot of good lads here, we’ve had a good crack and hopefully we can have another crack on Saturday."
This year’s Ashes series has reignited one of rugby league’s most storied rivalries, with England and Australia battling it out in front of record crowds on English soil.
For Wigan academy product Smith, the experience of walking out onto the field in front of a sell-out crowd at Hill Dickinson Stadium – the home of his beloved Everton Football Club – was something that will live long in the memory, which was made even more special by having his close family and friends in the stands supporting him.
“I think there were nine or 10 of my family, and then a few of my friends dotted about, so there were plenty of people there and plenty of people mithering for tickets, but it was hard with it being sold out!” Smith laughed. “I said I would do what I could, but it was really good after the game to see them – they were so proud, even though we were on the wrong side of the result.
“Just the way we went about it, we all had a dig and gave it our best. If we can do that again on Saturday, hopefully we can flip the result.”
The third and final Test takes place at a sold-out AMT Headingley on Saturday afternoon. The Test will be broadcast live on BBC One, with a 2:30pm kick-off.