Harry Smith on his status as a world champion, the Nathan Cleary match, and the amazing attempt that was denied by Wigan Warriors
Harry Smith has completed everything at the age of 24. Winner of the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, Grand Final, and now a world club champion.
Before Wigan’s 16–12 victory over Penrith, a lot of talk revolved around Smith’s matchup at scrum-half against Nathan Cleary, who is regarded as one of the best in the world after leading the Panthers to three consecutive NRL titles.
Smith can declare with confidence that he has triumphed in a personal battle after rising to the occasion on the grandest of stages once more.
After the victory, Smith, who had exchanged shirts with his opposite number, said, “I can’t really put into words this feeling.”
We’ll have a few drinks and savour the moment for a few days before returning to it for the remainder of the season.
I was excited about the challenge of taking on Nathan Cleary because this is the reason I want to play the game and compete against the best.
“It was fantastic to even have the chance to do that, and it was even more fantastic to come out on top.”
And I believe the halfback must have performed well if we win, so I must have performed okay out there.
With less than ten minutes left in the game, Smith had one of his best moments when, after a scrum, he kicked the ball downfield for Bevan French to sprint on and score one of the greatest tries that was never.
French was called just slightly offside for what would have undoubtedly been the game-winning goal under international rules, which were applied to the match.
Rather, Wigan had to maintain composure and hold out until the very end when Taylan May’s late attempt was disqualified by the video referee.
We developed that play during the off-season and saved it for this particular game. It nearly succeeded,” Smith remarked.
We were aware that we needed to believe in our own abilities and just go for it. We went for it because it felt perfect—right field position and the right side of the pitch for me to kick with my left foot—and if it had been according to Super League rules, it would have probably been awarded.
“We just stuck with the next-job mentality after that; the conversation on the pitch had always been positive throughout the game. We had to savour each moment as it presented itself, and I believe that’s what won us the match.
“I was yelling for them to hurry up because it felt like I was waiting forever for that final decision. Thus, it was wonderful to be on the right side of that choice, and it was wise to celebrate afterward.
Had Smith’s current coach, Matt Peet, not given him his chance and signed him as a teenager, none of this success would have been achievable.
It is understandable why the halfback thought so highly of his boss, who in just over two seasons as manager of Wigan has guided the team to all four major trophies.
“I’ve known Matty since the day he signed me at the club at the age of 14 and he’s just incredible,” Smith continued.
“He and the entire team are deserving of all the accolades we are receiving.”
