Harry Smith is back from suspension for Wigan Warriors ahead of their Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens.
The England scrum-half returns after a three-match ban following a Grade E charge for ‘making unnecessary contact with a player who is/may be injured’ during their Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Wakefield Trinity last month.
Smith missed Super League games against Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves and Bradford Bulls.
Good Friday Defeat Still Fresh
The showdown in Warrington will be the first meeting between Wigan and St Helens since Saints’ 34-24 Good Friday comeback victory. Wigan surrendered a 24-10 lead in the closing stages of that match.
Smith admits that defeat remains fresh in his mind and will provide extra motivation heading into the semi-final clash.
“That will definitely be up there as motivation to get one back, but I’ve been impressed with Saints,” said Smith.
Smith added, “I obviously thought we had done enough to win it on Good Friday, and the last eight minutes were pure craziness on our part of not seeing the game through and not being able to switch momentum.”
He continued, “But they’re a very good team with very good attacking threats and they showed that at Easter. I’m sure they’ll be showing that again in the semi-final.”
Wigan Wary of Saints’ Threat
Smith believes St Helens will be a dangerous opponent.
“They’ve had a run of games now with the same spine, getting more experienced forwards back, so I think they’ll be dangerous and we won’t be taking it lightly at all,” he stated.
Looking back to the Good Friday defeat, Smith said, “I’ve never seen anything like that or been part of something like that on Good Friday. We didn’t blow them away, but we dominated field position for most of the game.”
He added, “We scored some nice tries and didn’t feel fully threatened a lot when they got in our red zone – but then that last eight minutes, we couldn’t swing back momentum in our favour, and that’s a credit to them for smelling the blood and taking their chance.”
“That’s something we need to learn from and not let happen ever again. We need to use it as motivation. It was a crazy moment to be a part of, but one I will definitely learn from.”
Wembley on Smith’s Mind
Smith knows what is at stake in the Challenge Cup.
His only appearance at Wembley Stadium came during Wigan’s trophy-laden 2024 campaign, when they defeated Warrington 18-8 in the Challenge Cup final on the way to an historic quadruple.
“The nostalgia of Wembley and the meaning it has to the Challenge Cup as well added that bit extra for us, having not been able to play there in 2022, when it was at Tottenham,” Smith continued.
Smith admits the spell on the sidelines has been frustrating – but says there could hardly be a better fixture for his return than this weekend’s huge Challenge Cup semi-final.