HARVEY SMITH has impressed as a Super League player so far but he’s vowed not to rest until he becomes the complete hooker.
The Wakefield Trinity prodigy is an early bloomer, making his debut at 17 years of age and then, at 18, playing 13 games in their Championship season of 2024.
Last season Smith surpassed all expectations to feature 27 times as Wakefield made the play-offs on their Super League return, and the now 20-year-old has consolidated the position of second-choice nine behind NRL champion Tyson Smoothy.
While his running game suits a bench role, the diminutive Smith has also started two games already this season.
And he’s revealed his determination to work on all areas of his game to ensure he can be the best possible player.
“The best hookers are usually the ones who can play a full game every week and have their fingerprints all over good performances,” Smith told League Express.
“That’s what I want to grow in my game. I want to keep building over the next few years to reach that level.
“My biggest attribute is running the ball, but lots of things come into playing at hooker.
“I’ve been working really hard with Tyson Smoothy – I’m picking his brains to try and get as much information out of him as I can.
“You see a lot more hookers kicking now, which is just another weapon in your armoury.
“When you’re trying to break down a defence, being able to kick early is an important skill from a hooker.
“I’m also focusing on my tackle selection, especially around bigger blokes.”
Smith says that’s been drawn into focus by the faster ruck speed in Super League this season.
“It’s very different, and in the first few weeks it took some getting used to,” he added.
“I feel like it’ll benefit me personally in attack. In defence it’s a lot different – I’m not the biggest so it’s easier for teams to come at me when it’s quick and I don’t get as much help. That’s something I’m working on, to get stronger.”