Rising Wakefield Trinity star Harvey Smith has spoken on the huge impact that one of the club’s NRL recruit has already had during pre-season.

Smith was unlucky to miss out on a nomination for Super League Young Player of the Year in 2025 with the young hooker making 25 appearances for a Trinity team that made the play-offs.

Playing alongside Liam Hood, Smith kicked on plenty and with veteran Hood now departed, Smith has spoken about the impact that new number nine Tyson Smoothy has already had.

Smoothy is one of several overseas players signed by Wakefield Trinity ahead of the 2026 season with Jazz Tevaga and Trey Lolesio also joining, however, it seems to be Smoothy who has caught Smith’s eye.

Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel about how pre-season has gone so far, the 19-year-old said: “It’s been really good, especially having Tyson (Smoothy) come in. He’s got a wealth of experience in the NRL, Jazz (Tevaga) as well, and now Mike (McMeeken) and Tom (Johnstone) are back too so I’m just learning every day.

“If I can pick their brains, I can hopefully improve as a player.”

Wakefield Trinity youngster keen to “kick on” in 2026

Smoothy has signed from NRL champions Brisbane Broncos, for whom he made 11 appearances in 2025 including in the Grand Final win over Melbourne Storm.

He’s since been handed the number nine shirt with Smith expected to interchange with the Australian and the teen spoke about the impact the NRL signing has already had.

On the relationship, Smit said: “Really good, we’ve got along well. When you’re the same position, you spend a lot of time together so it’s been good learning off him.

“I’ve asked him a few questions and I’ve been watching him play because we’re on opposite teams a lot so to watch him play is good as I can add stuff that he has to my game.”

As for others who had impressed in pre-season, new recruit Jack Sinfield was named with the former Leeds Rhinos man possibly set to face his former club on Boxing Day.

That’s a game that Smith was excited about, hailing it as a good chance to help the side improve, however, he’s seeking his own personal improvements in 2026.

On the upcoming season, Smith said: “I just hope to keep playing to the best of my ability and keep growing every week. I need to keep improving and hopefully keep my shirt.

“I did alright last year but I want to kick on and I think I can get better.”

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