ECHO EXCLUSIVE: Connor O'Neill chats to England star Harry Smith ahead of this weekend's Ashes Test against Australia at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Harry Smith at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Harry Smith at Hill Dickinson Stadium
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Harry Smith will tick off another of his dreams when he runs out to represent England against Australia at Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend. England take on the Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon, knowing victory will take the series to a decider at Headingley.
After being left out of the squad for last weekend’s 26-6 defeat at Wembley, Smith has been recalled to his side’s starting line-up to partner captain George Williams in the halves. But for the boyhood Evertonian, the occasion will have an extra special feeling to it as he gets to play at the home of his beloved Blues.
“It hasn’t really sunk in,” he tells the ECHO. “Playing against Australia is the pinnacle for us, but it makes it extra special playing at such an amazing ground.
“I have managed to go twice, so I am just looking forward to it. It will be packed out with loads of rugby fans and hearing that atmosphere will be great.
“I went to one of the trial games and then I went to have a look around as a part of a promotion for this England game.
“I have not been when it has been fully sold out. I had the chance to go to a Carabao Cup game, but then it didn’t work out, so my dad went with one of his mates.
“I’m sure the experience this weekend will be incredible. It is going to be up there with one of the best stadiums I have ever played in.
“The way it is designed and the stands are close to the pitch. The atmosphere then when the fans start to cheer. I am really looking forward to it, and it is going to be amazing.”
Paul Sculthorpe and Harry Smith at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
Paul Sculthorpe and Harry Smith at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
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Smith was part of the Wigan Warriors team who completed the Grand Slam last year, winning the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League all in the same season.
The Widnes-born 25-year-old had plenty of football teams to choose from growing up, but he admits he was only ever going to be a Blue.
“It is all I have ever known,” he says. “My dad and grandad are both Everton fans. All I have ever known is to watch Everton.
“My first memories were the David Moyes years when we had the likes of Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and Tim Howard.
“They are my first memories and it is all I have ever known. The only team I was allowed to support was Everton.
“I wish I had played football a bit more as a kid, but rugby league was always my sport, but I used to love going to Everton games in the Family Enclosure right next to the tunnel and where the players warmed up.
“But I just remember the atmosphere, I’d never heard anything like it. I’ve always enjoyed going to football games.
“Once I became a professional (it was tough), but in previous years I have probably tried to get to two or three. This year I am going to try and get down to a game.
“It is incredible that Everton and rugby league have managed to link up and create this at such an amazing stadium.
“I think the motivation to win is already massive, but it would be a cherry on the cake to do it.”
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