Wigan Warriors scrum-half Matty Smith has revealed that the growing influence of fullback Sam Tomkins is having a hugely positive impact on both his and the club’s season.
Tomkins returned from a lengthy injury lay-off last month and has been an ever-present in the Wigan side since as the Warriors remain part of the leading quartet at the top of the table.
And, ahead of the trip to Hull KR on Friday night, Smith told TotalRL.com that he is benefitting from both Tomkins and George Williams’ return to the side, adding that he feels more freedom with the experience back alongside him in the team.
“My game is certainly starting to benefit from those two being out there, 100 per cent,” he said.
“We had players playing out of position before like Dan Sarginson playing fullback and Nick Gregson playing at stand-off, so it’s nice to have some big names back. It’s taken some pressure off me and it makes my job a lot easier.
“I call the plays and all that kind of stuff but Sam’s experience just helps me out. He’s so vocal on the field and since he’s come into the team it’s been great. He talks up in video reviews and he tries to help everyone with their game and he’s got such a presence. It’s a massive help for everyone.”
Smith admitted the return of Terry Campese to the KR side is one influence they will have to be wary of on Friday night – but he stressed that if the Warriors perform, they should only be worried about themselves and their own performance.
He said of Campese: “He’s a real leader and an organiser for them who does the talking, and he’s great for them. Albert Kelly plays well off the back of him too, and they’ve got a great combination going there.
“Campese is huge but we’ve got to concentrate on ourselves, if we put a full 80-minute performance in we won’t go far wrong.”
