Smithies: A dream of mine to play in the NRL

Former Wigan Warriors star Morgan Smithies is settling well into life at Canberra, following his decision to leave the reigning Betfred Super League Champions and make his "dream" move to the NRL side.

Smithies was snapped up by the Canberra late October when he committed to a three-year deal with the Raiders - after being recognised for his ever-growing talent and ability, and both the individual and team success he has achieved in such a short time.

The Canberra Raiders are excited to announce the signing of English International Morgan Smithies on a three-year deal commencing 2024. #WeAreRaiders
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) October 31, 2023

In an interview exclusively with his new club Canberra Raiders and the Australian press, Smithies spoke about his switch to play in Australia's elite competition and his pre-season training so far:

"I've settled in really well. I've got used to the weather a bit and all the lads have been class as well, so it's been an easy transition.

"I've been working hard on getting my fitness right and I know the boys have been ripping in as well."

At just 23 years old, Smithies has already enjoyed an array of success in his short career. He made 114 appearances for Wigan Warriors, but this was not before his impressive display in the Wigan Academy that earned him a full-time professional contract.

An incredible debut season saw him shortlisted for the Super League Young Player of the Year Award as well as winning his club's own Young Player of the Year Award. This was then followed by winning numerous pieces of silverware with the Warriors - including the recent 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final over Catalans Dragons, two League Leaders' Shields and a Betfred Challenge Cup.

Believing he has fully tested himself where these competitions are concerned, Smithies was keen to make the move overseas when the chance presented itself.

"With winning the Grand Final the season just gone, I felt like I'd won everything back home except the World Club Challenge. And when this opportunity came, I felt like it was one I had to take with both hands - they don't come around too often."

Smithies can also add an England debut to his already long list of achievements when he featured for his country for the first time in their mid-season international game against France, back in April - in what was a dominant 64-0 winning display.

"I was lucky enough to play for England and debut. I was buzzing - it made my family proud, and I was very proud being an English man. It meant the world."

It might have been Smithies first year in an England shirt, but this year also marked what would be Elliott Whitehead's last. England veteran and Raiders captain Whitehead has also recently announced that next year will be his last NRL season altogether before retiring.

Joining the Raiders in 2016 and becoming a stalwart in Raiders side - consistently displaying attributes of strong leadership, determination and an impressive work ethic, Smithies is eager to learn from his team-mate before he hangs up his boots once and for all.

"He's a big player at this club, he's a massive leader and I feel like I can learn quite a lot of him. As a player, he was somebody I looked up to growing up. You look out for the English boys when you're a kid watching the NRL, and he was one of them."

The Raiders are also known to have a strong success rate with former English Super League players over the years and Smith is aware of what it means to join this historic line:

"George Williams played here, John Bateman and Ryan Sutton have played here. There are quite a few English boys that have come here and now I've got to leave my mark.

"It's been a dream of mine to play in the NRL, and I've got the opportunity now to do it."

Introducing Morgan Smithies!#WeAreRaiders pic.twitter.com/PAG7KrxJ77
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) December 13, 2023

Smithies continued: "I'm someone who works hard for the team, 100%. I wear the badge with pride, give a lot of passion but over the past few years I've tried to develop my game a little bit more.

"I've tried to improve my ball-handling skills a bit more, add a bit more rugby into my game and I felt like I've done that, so I'll just try and progress from there.

"My preferred position is loose-forward, but I'll play wherever. I'll just be very happy to play for Canberra and I'll put 100% in each week."

Also surrounded by an experienced group of forwards within the Raiders team, Smithies is bound to learn from some of the best.

"I'm only 23 and I've still got a lot to learn. I'm trying to learn each day and every day coming in here. So, when you've got players like that around you, it makes it a lot easier, and it's up to me to pick their brains and learn day in and day out."

Smithies' former club Wigan Warriors are set to host NRL Premiers Penrith Panthers at the DW Stadium next February - in a highly anticipated Betfred World Club Challenge. 

The Warriors have announced that 10,000 tickets have already been sold in the first 24-hours of sales, so don't miss your chance to witness the 'Clash of the Champions' contest and purchase your tickets here.