Wigan Warriors' Morgan Smithies and Ethan Havard reflect on their first experience of representing England

Wigan Warriors’ Morgan Smithies and Ethan Havard were among the 13 players to make their England debuts in the mid-season international.
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Shaun Wane’s side produced a 64-0 victory over France in the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

There was a fresh look to the squad as the England coach starts to look ahead to the next Rugby League World Cup in 2025.

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On making his debut, Smithies said: “I loved it- it was definitely the proudest day of my life.

A number of Wigan players represented England in the mid-season internationalA number of Wigan players represented England in the mid-season international
A number of Wigan players represented England in the mid-season international

“I wasn’t expecting the call off Waney (Shaun Wane), I was just buzzing to get into camp.

“It meant everything to me with how proud it made my family and friends.

“It was class to share the moment with Ethan (Havard) and Harry Smith because I’ve come through the system with them at Wigan.

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“It was nice to get to know some faces who I’ve played against for quite a while.

Ethan Havard celebrates with Morgan Smithies after his tryEthan Havard celebrates with Morgan Smithies after his try
Ethan Havard celebrates with Morgan Smithies after his try

“Then to play with Tom Holroyd and Matty Nicholson again was good- there were a few Halifax boys in the mix.

“There’s a few test matches against Tonga towards the end of the year, so I’ll be pushing for that.

“I’ve got my foot in the door a little bit, but it’s still early in the season and I’ve got a lot of work to do.

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“Hopefully towards the backend of the year I’ll be playing some good rugby and will be in contention for that.

“Now I’ve had my first taste, I want to do it for the rest of my career.”

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Havard, who was among the try-scorers in the victory, added: “It was a great experience, it’s something I wanted to be a part of since I first started playing rugby.

“To do it was an honour.

“It was a proud day for me and my family. My try was right in front of them, so that’ll be a good memory.

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“I had already met a lot of the lads in the England Knights camps, so it was good being back playing with them.

“I just enjoyed the week as a whole, it was good to get a taste of it.

“There’s an international standard that Waney demands- when you’re playing for him you’ve got to get as close as you can to perfection to impress him.

“Being involved as much as I can has to be the goal, but for now I’m switching my focus back to Wigan.”