Harry Smith delivers verdict on Wigan Warriors’ campaign as Rugby League World Cup debut awaits

Wigan Warriors halfback Harry Smith believes his side can be proud of their 2026 campaign despite falling short of a place in the Super League Grand Final.

Matt Peet’s side secured two of the three trophies on offer, winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley before claiming the League Leaders’ Shield after a 16-match winning run across all competitions.

The Warriors had started the season with seven consecutive victories before a difficult spell saw them lose four Super League matches in a row. They responded by winning the Challenge Cup with a 40-10 victory over Hull KR, before building momentum through the remainder of the campaign.

However, their hopes of completing a treble ended with a 33-6 play-off semi-final defeat to Wakefield Trinity, who went on to beat Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final and claim their first Super League title.

“Overall, I think it was good,” Smith said of Wigan’s campaign.

“We started the season really well, and then we lost a few bodies, we lost Bevan (French), and then I got banned in that period where we got beaten - I’m not saying that was the reason why - but if many teams lose their six and seven, they struggle.

“We started so well and then had that bit of adversity, and how we came together as a team, we didn’t overthink it, and we stuck to what we knew worked, and then to come out on the other side and win a trophy was outstanding.

“And then, to be honest, we didn’t even realise when we were in it (the unbeaten run) until, I think, it was the week before we played Leeds that we were on this winning streak - it wasn’t really mentioned - we were just going with the flow, doing our thing, training hard, getting our rest in and then going attacking games.

“So, to be honest, I think it was a brilliant season overall as an individual and as a team. It was unfortunate to fall short in the semi-final, just not playing the way we would have liked to play, and as we played in the previous 16 games, but to do what we did was really good and something we can build on.

“You don’t always get it your way - everyone trains hard, everyone goes into pre-season wanting to win things - so not to do it (in the play-offs) is obviously disappointing, but not the end of the world.”

Wigan’s season has also been recognised on the international stage, with seven Warriors selected in Brian McDermott’s England squad for the Rugby League World Cup this autumn.

Smith, Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Brad O’Neill, Zach Eckersley and Sam Walters have all earned selection after their performances for the Warriors.

Smith believes Wigan’s international call-ups reflect the efforts of the squad throughout the year, despite the disappointment of their semi-final exit.

“I think it’s been a brilliant year,” he added.

“If you said at the start of the year you’d win two out of three trophies and win 16 games in a row, you’d probably take that. It was disappointing the way it finished, to be so close to getting to a Grand Final and not play our best game - that’s probably what hurt a bit more.

“I thought Wakefield were outstanding, but I thought we just weren’t at our best and that showed on the scoreboard.

“But a lot of lads have played well this year, and thankfully they’ve been recognised (with the England selection), and hopefully we can go and show what we can do for our country.”