Matt Peet reacts to Harry Smith’s new Wigan Warriors contract - ‘Coming into his peak years’

Matt Peet believes Wigan Warriors have secured a key piece of their future after key halfback Harry Smith signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The 26-year-old has committed his future to the Warriors until the end of the 2030 season, extending his stay at the club where he first joined the scholarship as a 14-year-old.

Since making his first-team debut in 2019, Smith has established himself as one of Super League’s leading playmakers, making 174 appearances, scoring 29 tries and helping Wigan win nine major trophies, including two Super League titles, three Challenge Cups, three League Leaders’ Shields and a World Club Challenge.

Peet admits he is delighted to see the England international remain at The Brick Community Stadium for the foreseeable future.

“I’m made up,” Peet said. “He’s clearly a very important player for us and has been for some time.

“I know every position is important, but scrum-half is a pivotal role in the team. He is coming into his peak years, maturing all the time, and I just love everything he is about - skilful, smart, competitive - his family is ingrained in the club as well, his partner Chloe and his son Leo.

“It’s a big one for us, and the way he acts as a leader, helping the young players as well - I’m really happy.”

While Smith’s qualities on the field are well documented, Peet believes his influence away from matchdays has become almost just as important in recent years.

The Wigan head coach has seen the halfback grow into a leadership role within the squad and says his understanding of the club’s values makes him an important figure both on and off the field.

“He’s developed into that role,” Peet added.

“He is very intelligent around rugby league, but also how we practice, how we conduct ourselves, he knows what we’re about, he’s been at the club a long time now, and he’s developing himself as a leader, which is huge.”

Smith’s new deal is another significant moment for Wigan’s famed academy system, with the Widnesian having progressed through the club’s ranks before becoming a regular first-team player and England international.

Peet paid tribute to the work Smith has put in throughout his journey, highlighting the resilience he has shown during difficult periods of his career.

“There are a lot of people at the club who work really hard with Harry, but mainly it’s about Harry, his commitment, his ability, the sacrifices he’s made and the way he has been resilient through tough times as well,” Peet said.

“I’m really proud and I look forward to continue working alongside him.”

Negotiations over the new contract were handled by chief executive Kris Radlinski and Smith’s representatives, with Peet revealing discussions had largely taken place behind the scenes.

“To be honest, Kris Radlinski has been dealing with Harry’s manager, so it has very much been going on in the background,” he explained.

“Harry knew, and Rads knew that I think it is important that he is here for a long time to come, and the challenge for Kris then is to get it sorted because obviously there would be a lot of interest in a player like Harry, so I’m grateful to Rads and the board for making it happen.”