Wigan Warriors star Harry Smith eager to 'rip in' on return after 'frustrating' suspension spell
Harry Smith says he cannot wait to return to action for Wigan Warriors in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against rivals St Helens after admitting the last three weeks on the sidelines have been ‘frustrating’.
The 26-year-old halfback is available again for the clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium after serving a three-match suspension picked up in Wigan’s quarter-final win over Wakefield Trinity.
Victory this weekend would send either Wigan or Saints through to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 30.
Smith missed Wigan’s last three matches during a difficult spell, which included four straight Super League defeats, before Matt Peet’s side returned to winning ways with a 38-14 victory over Bradford Bulls last weekend.
Speaking ahead of the derby showdown, Smith admitted he is eager to get back involved.
“100 per cent – it’s exciting to be back in the team and to try to get stuck into these men and get to Wembley,” Smith told Wigan Today.
“It’s all exciting, the build-up, a neutral ground, a derby – there are so many good things about the fixture, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The England international described watching from the sidelines as particularly difficult because of his influential role within the side.
“It’s been frustrating, really,” he said.
“I try not to miss as many games as I can, and obviously being a number seven, an organiser and being in and amongst the game a lot and having an effect on the game, it’s hard for me to watch because I like to control things.
“It’s been difficult, and especially with some of the results not going our way, it’s been extra tough, but it’s in the past now, so it’s time to look forward.”
Smith also joked that his excitement at returning had been noticeable during training this week.
“We did a bit of review and preview, and I was probably talking a lot more than I usually do, because I’ve been quiet for three weeks,” he smiled.
“I think Lockers (Sean O’Loughlin) said I needed to chill out a bit because I was talking a bit too much!
“But that’s probably my excitement to be back in the team and amongst the lads properly, ripping in in training and hopefully ripping in on Saturday as well.”
Smith also praised young halfback duo George Marsden and Jack Farrimond after they helped guide the Warriors past Bradford last weekend. The pair became Wigan’s youngest halfback partnership since Shaun Edwards and Mike Ford in 1985.
“I thought they were brilliant,” Smith said.
“Fair play to both of them, especially George, who came in with a lot of confidence as a young 17-year-old.
“He showed a lot of maturity in his performance, did a lot of the effort areas first and showed what he can do as a halfback after that.”
Smith said the performances of Marsden and Farrimond highlighted the strength of Wigan’s young talent coming through.
“I’m really excited for the future we’ve got at Wigan,” he added.
“There are lads behind me pushing, and it’s good for the club and for Super League as well when we’ve got players like that playing together.”
He also singled out Farrimond’s display against Bradford for special praise.
“I think we saw him take control of the game as an out-and-out seven,” Smith said.
“It was the first proper game out of the three where he has really grabbed it, taken control of the kicking game, finished us well and organised well.
“You don’t see many young halfbacks doing that on the first tackle, having the bottle to kick it for Noah’s (Hodkinson) try and create an opportunity like that, so fair play to Jack, I thought he was brilliant.”