English recruit Morgan Smithies has made an enormous declaration forward of Ricky Stuart’s choice headache within the nation’s capital.
The 23-year-old arrived in Australia on Friday to affix the Raiders’ pre-season, gearing as much as earn a spot within the membership’s beginning aspect in 2024.
Smithies received a Super League title with Wigan final season and is now vying for a place in Canberra’s ahead pack, explaining he received’t be “making up the numbers” after signing a three-year contract.
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“I see myself as a number 13 but I can play back row, or anywhere really,” Smithies stated to The Daily Telegraph.
“There will be a bit of competition for positions… but that makes you train harder and with that comes improvement.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing that there is a challenge for spaces. I just have to work hard and show what I can do in the pre-season.”
Queensland ahead Corey Horsburgh emerged as Stuart’s favoured choice at lock final season, whereas Hudson Young and Elliott Whitehead are the beginning backrowers.
Meanwhile, within the entrance row Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii are the common entrance row pairing, whereas Trey Mooney, Hohepa Puru and Ata Mariota can even be combating for a spot.
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That leaves Smithies to probably ply his commerce off the bench to start the season, however the Englishmen can be determined to stamp his mark.
Smithies additionally revealed he had added ball-playing to his abilities in 2023, hoping to emulate Victor Radley’s abilities.
“I’m adding a little bit more smarts to my game in attack, linking with halves and improving my ball playing,” Smithies stated.
“It’s something I have been doing over the last few years. I always try to work hard but I want to improve my game.”
Smithies is the latest English recruit in a protracted line of profitable imports, with Josh Hodgson, George Williams and John Bateman all taking part in for the Raiders over the past 10 years.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
