Game management 101

I thought Hull KR had the better of the arm wrestle for most of the game but Smiths kicking was so much better than Lewis’s and it kept Hull KR from really getting on top.

Harry's kicking game was crucial to our win tonight. The placing and distance of his kicks back up with a great chase won us a lot of field position.
Top, top game from Harry.

I agree my MOTM.

I thought he was excellent yesterday, my MOM

French will get the plaudits, but Smith was exceptional yesterday. I thought HKR were marginally the better team for large parts, but his kicking game kept us in it.

If you have a proper scrum half & he kicks well on the night, you’ll usually win the GF.
Proved right, again. He was phenomenal

Lewis was kicking where he could
Smith was kicking where he wanted

That was the difference

He must have the most 2nd places in final MOM votes in history! He has been incredible in 4 domestic finals now but he had some really eye catching team mates, who break a game open for us. He is so important for us. The ultimate big game player.

Was one of the main differences last night - his kicking and general organising where totally on point, the way he switched to kicking the ball into touch in the last few minutes was exectly what was needed - and showed excellent tactical awareness, was very close for me to MOM.

Harry was like a conductor in a orchestra bringing in the big brass section when required and releasing the string section when needed.
Kicking us out of trouble was sublime game management was top notch.
I sometimes think he doesn't get the wraps (not the toffee ones round their necks) he deserves.
Also did some great tackles prob my MOM if not for the French magic.

Absolutely love him. Our general.

As important as French and Field to our success

We were sat right in line with the 20metre line when he kicked the 40/20 in the first half. Was easily a metre past the line yet neither the linesman or video ref saw it. I was stood up cheering it and then bewildered when they didn't give it, even a couple of KR fans were scratching their heads at it, though happy it wasn't given lol.

A very mature performance from Harry.....well played that man!!

His kicking and defence were pretty much perfect. The drop goal could've easily been shanked and not given us that slight cushion and confidence going into HT. If he could pass (either way) and break the line he'd be an incredible player.

I know there are some fans that get a bit frustrated with Smith over the course of the season, but I wouldn't swap him for anyone for these sorts of games. Such a clever organiser, the sort that even some of the better Wigan teams of the last 15 years or so have been missing. A very different player than Sinfield in a lot of ways, but he brings a lot of the same things to the table in tight games when winning the armwrestle is so important.

A toss up between him and Thompson for potm for me. The gulf between him and Drinkwater who is tasked with doing a similar sort of job is enormous.