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
Smithies was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He attended The Brooksbank School.[4]. Smithies played his junior rugby at Siddal ARLFC, signing for Wigan in 2015.
Career
Wigan Warriors
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
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]
2025
On 24 February 2025, it was revealed that Smithies had been briefly refused entry from the Canberra sides Las Vegas hotel after he became involved in a scuffle with teammate Hudson Young. Head coach Ricky Stuart later spoke to the media saying “I have spoken to the players who are very embarrassed,” Stuart said. “The behaviour was unacceptable. The club will deal with this strongly".[12]
International career
In 2019 he was selected for the England Knights against Jamaica at Headingley Rugby Stadium.[13]
He made his full England début on 29 April 2023 in the 64-0 victory over France at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Raiders reveal duo 'disciplined' over hotel scuffle ahead of Las Vegas season opener". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "England Knights vs Jamaica". WWOS. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.