WARRINGTON Wolves have moved quickly to provide cover for the injured Blake Austin by signing experienced half-back Matty Smith on loan from Catalans Dragons until the end of the season.
The former Wigan and St Helens half-back is in contention to face one of his former clubs when Warrington take on St Helens on Thursday evening.
Smith, 32, is a two-time Grand Final winner and also scooped the Lance Todd trophy in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final. Smith has also represented his country on four occasions and was named in the Dream Team in 2013 and 2014.
The former St Helens and Wigan man has made over 300 career appearances, scoring more than 850 points, and brings vast experience to the squad, providing back-up for Declan Patton and Blake Austin.
Smith said: “Firstly I would like to thank both Catalans and Warrington for sorting the loan deal out very quickly which allows me to do what I love doing and that’s playing Rugby League.
“Also after speaking with Steve Price and having been a big admirer of the Warrington club for so long it was a very easy decision for me to come on loan until the end of the year.
“Having worked before with a lot of the staff and playing group I am sure it will be an easy transition.”
Warrington Wolves’ head coach Steve Price added: “Matt is an experienced player. He’s a Lance Todd trophy winner so he knows all about big games and how to win Challenge Cups and Grand Finals.
“He knows how to steer a team around the park, and he’ll add extra competition to our halves going into the business end of the season.”
Smith has featured twice for the Dragons against Warrington this season, winning one and losing one. He didn’t feature in last weekend’s bad tempered affair.
He is not cup tied but will not be able to feature at Wembley after missing the Challenge Cup signing deadline.
Matty Smith (second left) has been spotted training with Warrington this morning. 🔭
Would he be a good fit for the Wolves? #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/YB5SYB0WWj
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) August 6, 2019
