Wigans Warriors’ Morgan Smithies candidly revealed how he can improve to live up to his coveted shirt number.
The Warriors host Catalans Dragons – the undefeated French outfit – in round four of the Super League on Thursday night, and look to build on impressive wins over Castlefield and Wakefield.
Loose forward Smithies – who was this season honoured with Wigan’s legendary number 13, worn by the likes of now-coach Sean O’Loughlin – revealed how he can improve to bolster the Warriors’ title hopes.
He said: “I’ve still got a long way to go in my attack. I think my defence has always been alright, but I could still get better at it.
“My attack is the main thing I want to improve on this year. Hopefully at the back end of the season I’ll be somewhere I want to be with it.
“We’ve done a lot of it in preseason. We’ve done a lot of skills training and stuff with the ball.
“Speaking to [O’Loughlin] and people like that, I think attack’s a big one.
“There’s still a long way to go but hopefully with those kinds of people around me I’ll be able to get there.”
The 22-year-old has represented the Warriors since 2018, but has only registered one try for the reigning Challenge Cup winners.
Warriors coach Matt Peet lauded Smithies’ contribution to the squad this year, but knows the Dragons offer the youngster his biggest test to date.
He said: “I’m Morgan’s biggest fan. I just want to continue improving him.
“His maturity for his age, the way he applies himself, and his performances represent the way he’s preparing and the way he commits himself to his game.
“I think it’s a big test for him.”
