By Sebastian Tan

Desperate to get back to winning ways, Morgan Smithies declares he has a fire in his belly after last year’s season of promise failed to live up to expectations. 

Canberra enter their round-one clash against Manly out to avenge the disappointment of their last campaign where they finished minor premiers for the first time since 1990, only to suffer finals losses to Brisbane and Cronulla.

It put paid to winning a first premiership in 31 years.

To make matters worse, Smithies returned to the England national squad only to get thumped 3-0 in front of home fans by Australia in the Ashes series.

The 25-year-old is intent on making the English side again with this year’s Rugby League World Cup looming, but first he wants to have a big impact on the Raiders.

“It put more fire in my belly. We (Canberra) didn’t want it to finish like that, and then getting beaten 3-0 by the Aussies hurt,” Smithies told reporters on Thursday.

“It just made me want to come back over here and get another good pre-season under the belt.

“It’s very important (I get back to England) … but my full focus is on round one this weekend, and then whatever happens after, happens.”

Canberra lost halfback Jamal Fogarty to the Sea Eagles in the off-season, but coach Ricky Stuart has replaced him with young gun Ethan Sanders.

How he will combine with fellow halves partner Ethan Strange has been a major talking point, but captain Joe Tapine insists Sanders doesn’t need to live up to pundits’ immediate expectations.

“It’s not going to be a straightaway thing, but they’re (Sanders and Strange) looking sharp at the moment,” Tapine said.

“Game experience will build that combination… there’s no pressure from the leadership group and me.”

Recruit Jayden Brailey will make his club debut on Saturday from the bench after Stuart opted to parachute Tom Starling into the hooker role.

Having previously captained Newcastle, Brailey’s influence could be crucial to the team this season.

“He (Brailey) is obviously a huge addition to us. He brings a lot of leadership, a little experience and is just a good fellow,” Tapine said.

“It helps the whole group.”