Morgan Smithies
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Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Morgan Smithies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 7 November 2000 Halifax, West Yorkshire, England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 16 st 10 lb (106 kg) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Lock, Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 7 September 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Smithies (born 7 November 2000) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a lock and second-row forward for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL and both England and the England Knights at international level.[3]
He previously played for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League.
Background
[edit]Smithies was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He attended The Brooksbank School.[4]
Career
[edit]Wigan Warriors
[edit]In 2019 he made his Super League début for Wigan against the Catalans Dragons.[5] He played in the 2020 Super League Grand Final which Wigan lost 8-4 against St Helens.[6] On 28 May 2022, Smithies played for Wigan in their 2022 Challenge Cup Final victory over Huddersfield.[7] On 1 June 2022, Smithies was banned for four matches over two dangerous high tackles which occurred during Wigan's Challenge Cup final win.[8] On 14 October 2023, Smithies played in Wigan's 2023 Super League Grand Final victory over the Catalans Dragons.[9]
Canberra Raiders
[edit]On 31 October 2023, it was confirmed that he would join Canberra starting in the 2024 season on a three-year deal. In round 1 of the 2024 NRL season, Smithies made his club debut for Canberra in their victory over Newcastle.[10] Smithies played 24 games for Canberra in the 2024 NRL season as the club finished 9th on the table.[11]
International career
[edit]In 2019 he was selected for the England Knights against Jamaica at Headingley Rugby Stadium.[12]
He made his full England début on 29 April 2023 in the 64-0 victory over France at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
References
[edit]- ^ "Player Summary: Morgan Smithies". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ Rugby League Project
- ^ "England Knights v Jamaica". WWOS. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
- ^ Bower, Aaron (25 March 2022). "How cup heartbreak as a junior fuels Morgan Smithies' desire for Challenge Cup success". Manchester Evening News.
- ^ "Super League: Wigan Warriors 42-0 Catalans Dragons". BBC.
- ^ "Super League Grand Final: Wigan 4-8 St Helens". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Challenge Cup final: Huddersfield Giants 14-16 Wigan Warriors". www.bbc.co.uk. 26 May 2022.
- ^ "Morgan Smithies receives four-match ban despite avoiding punishment in Wigan Warriors' Challenge Cup win". www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
- ^ "Wigan Warriors crowned Super League champions after downing Dragons". www.theguardian.com.
- ^ "NRL told they will 'love' Morgan Smithies following confirmation of Canberra Raiders move: 'He's all action'". Love Rugby League. 31 October 2023.
- ^ "The Mole's end-of-season review: The 'wasted' enforcer Ricky Stuart must 'fire up' in 2025". www.nine.com.au.
- ^ "England Knights vs Jamaica". WWOS. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.