Wigan Warriors ace Harry Smith hailed as ‘a man for the big game’ after Hull FC match-winner
Harry Smith earned praise from his coach Matt Peet after inspiring Wigan Warriors to a comeback win at Hull FC on Saturday afternoon
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes Harry Smith’s ability to stay calm under pressure is exactly why he continues to deliver in the biggest moments after the halfback inspired Saturday’s 20-16 comeback win over Hull FC.
Smith was named Player of the Match at the MKM Stadium after producing another composed display, capped by the decisive try 73 minutes into the contest to seal Wigan’s eighth victory in their last nine games.
The England international recently committed his long-term future to the Warriors by signing a new four-year contract until the end of the 2030 season, and Peet says performances like Saturday’s show why the club were keen to secure his services.
“He is a man for the tight game, he is a man for the big game, holding his nerve and thinking clearly under pressure, and that’s what big, close games demand, isn’t it?” Peet said. “He’s been good all year.”
Smith is one of eight Wigan players included in England’s 38-man performance squad ahead of this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup, but Peet was keen to keep the focus on his club form with the second half of the Super League season still to play.
“I’m not getting drawn on England,” he added. “I’m just really pleased that he’s doing it. I hope as many of our lads get a crack, and Harry’s been there before, so he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing.”
Peet also praised young wingers Zach Eckersley and Noah Hodkinson after both impressed again in the East Riding of Yorkshire, with the pair scoring Wigan’s opening two tries.
“Zach yeah, Noah less so,” Peet said when asked if he would have expected the pair to be starring on the wings this time last year.
“It was always the plan for Zach - we’ve always had the knowledge that he could play wing/centre.
“Noah, we’ve always earmarked him as a fullback, so I’m made up with how he’s settled in there. He had to make some brave plays today, Hull put him under great pressure, and they were physical, so Noah is doing really well.
“Noah had a different game today... He’s scoring tries for fun, but today was more about his defence and fielding kicks, so he’s just got to keep his head down.”