Kevin Brown backs Harry Smith to continue good form in Grand Final for Wigan

13 October 2023 , 18:56

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Wigan Warriors' Harry Smith (Image: PA)

Kevin Brown reckons Wigan will nail the Grand Final - especially now Harry Smith has nailed his goalkicking.

The England scrum-half had a torrid time with the boot earlier this season, missing a raft of attempts. But he’s come good at the right time and is now one of Betfred Super League’s sharp-shooters. Ex-England stand-off Brown, who lost the 2018 Grand Final with Warrington against his former club Wigan, believes that could be key against Catalans.

He said: “I always thought Wigan and am even more confident now. They’re red-hot and the way they’ve adapted to Bevan French playing at six and linking up with Harry, they are just so good attacking-wise. But Harry has got his form with his goal-kicking sorted as well. That was one worry of mine when he was going through that bad patch.

"It’s important he knocks them over at Old Trafford as I do expect it to be a really close final. But he’s in the form of his life.”

Smith, 23, slotted seven from seven in the semi-final win over Hull KR. World Cup finalist Brown, 39, added: “He’s got his consistency and confidence back. Once he missed a couple he was probably overthinking it. I know Harry quite well and he loves his golf. Golf is very similar to kicking: it’s patience and relaxing your mind.

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Wigan's Harry Smith has improved his goal-kicking as the season has gone on (PA)

“He’s got control of his goalkicking now and, over time, Harry has just become the complete half. He’s so good with his on-field kicking and obviously his drop goal won the last close game for them against Hull. Wigan are favourites. What I would say is, they haven’t been in a tough game for a while and Catalans have beaten them twice. What will they be like in a war of attrition rather than another score-fest? But I still think they’ll do it.”

David Craven