Wakefield Wildcats make Lee Smith switch permanent

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Lee Smith permanently until 2013 following his loan spell at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

Smith joined Wakefield on loan from Leeds Rhinos two weeks ago, but has now signed a deal with Wakefield that will see him at the Wildcats for the remainder of this season and until the end of next season.

Wakefield coach Richard Agar was pleased to have held onto a valuable player.

He said: “We’re delighted to capture a player of Lee’s quality. He has enjoyed his short time with us so far and we’re looking forward to seeing more of him in the rest of this year and into 2013.

“We took him on loan knowing that he was out of contract at the end of the year and that there might be a chance to work something out longer term come the end of the season.

“Events have obviously sped up over the last 24 hours or so and it’s great for us to get a player who provides us with quality in a number of positions at a time when quality players on the market are few and far between.”

The 2008 Harry Sunderland Trophy winner had a short spell with London Wasps before returning to Leeds in 2010. He won three Super League Grand Finals and two World Club Challenges during his time at Headingley.