Tony Smith bids fond farewell to Warrington Wolves before Indonesia move

THE Halliwell Jones Stadium was filled with nostalgia and emotion as The Warrington Wolves Foundation hosted a special farewell event for the club’s former head coach, Tony Smith, before his upcoming move to Indonesia.

After 25 years in British rugby league—eight of which were spent transforming “The Wire” into a powerhouse—Smith is trading the touchline for the tropics.
The 59-year-old Australian confirmed he and his wife are emigrating to Indonesia to be closer to their children, who are currently living in Australia.

The farewell event, hosted by Pete Emmett in the Greenall’s 40/Twenty Lounge and organised by Foundation stalwarts Alex and Roy Chicken and volunteers, served as a reunion for the iconic 2009 squad that ended Warrington’s 35-year trophy drought. Club legends in attendance included: Lee Briers, Adrian Morley, Mike Cooper and Paul Wood.
Fans paid £20 for the chance to relive historic moments, with proceeds supporting the Warrington Wolves Foundation and the extension of the South Stand heritage timeline.

While Smith’s career at Warrington was defined by three Challenge Cup titles (2009, 2010, 2012) and two League Leaders’ Shields (2011 and 2016), his next chapter is strictly recreational.
The move to Indonesia offers a “six-hour flight” to visit his children rather than a 24-hour one, and Smith is eager to embrace a slower pace of life.
He has expressed excitement about pursuing hobbies far removed from the high-pressure world of Super League coaching, including fishing in Indonesian waters and learning how to surf.
Smith departs the UK as the most successful coach of the Super League era, boasting a 66.4% win ratio during his time at Warrington.
“I really enjoyed my nine years at the club,” Smith told supporters. “I’d like to think the club has progressed… and is now in a position that means they can go on to bigger and greater things”.
He said one of his greatest memories during his time at the club was the homecoming parade after the club won at Wembley during his first season in charge.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before. It was incredible and something I will never forget.
While he mentioned he might visit friends like Stanley Gene in PNG for coach education, he made it clear: “It’s the end of rugby league coaching for me”.
As the sun sets on his illustrious career in England, the town of Warrington bids him a “good luck” and a final thank you for the memories.