Morgan Smithies opens up on his 'dumb' decision, fulfilling dreams and what's brought out his best

Wigan’s Morgan Smithies admits he was “dumb” cleaning out Huddersfield’s Ricky Leutele but insisted: “The main thing is I didn’t get sent off.” The loose forward helped Warriors win the Betfred Challenge Cup for the first time since 2013 after Saturday’s dramatic 16-14 success at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But hot-headed Smithies could have cost them victory with TWO swinging arm high tackles. Wigan were 12-10 ahead when he whacked Joe Greenwood in the 49th minute but Tui Lolohea missed the 40m penalty from in front.

However, just eight minutes later, Smithies caught Ricky Leutele with another rash shot which left Giants furious. He was spoken to by referee James Child but escaped a card when everyone expected the Halifax-born player to at least be shown yellow.

Huddersfield went in front from the resultant penalty when Jermaine McGillvary scored in the corner. But Wigan broke Giants’ hearts - denying them a first Cup win since 1953 - when Liam Marshall grabbed a 77th minute winning try.

Asked if he thought he would be marched after the second offence, Smithies insisted: “It wasn’t intentional.

“It was just a bit dumb. It was a dumb play. I’ll learn my lesson and won’t be doing that again.

“I wasn’t too nervous (about being carded). It was a bit in the moment. I didn’t get sent off. So that’s the main thing.”

Huddersfield boss Ian Watson said he was expecting more punishment and felt it was a “deciding” moment in a contest where his side had largely been on top. But it was Wigan who were left basking in glory.

It was Smithies’ first major trophy and the 21 year-old said: “I can’t really put it into words.

“All I want to do is win. That’s why I play the game. I love winning. To win is massive.

“It’s the best feeling I’ve