St Helens confirm Smith signing

Correspondent

St Helens have confirmed the signing of Wigan halfback Matty Smith on a three-year deal.

The Grand Final winning international halfback arrives with more than 250 top flight games to his credit and a plethora of honours.

He has won two Grand Finals and was named Lance Todd winner in the Warriors’ 2013 Challenge Cup win.

The 29-year old has also played four times for England – in the 2014 Four Nations and 2015 Test Match series against New Zealand – and been named in the Dream Team twice.

Saints head Ccach Keiron Cunningham said: “I’m delighted to have secured the services of Matty.

“He a class scrum-half who possesses a fantastic kicking and passing game as well as being an accomplished goal kicker.

“He has excellent leadership qualities and composure in big games after having experienced several over the course of his career.

“Having come through the system here he understands the club’s ethos and culture and has had a lot of success at the Warriors.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to bring his experience and professionalism to the Saints to not only guide the side around the park but help nurture the youngsters we have here.

“His partnership with Theo Fages will be an exciting one to watch.”

This is Smith’s second spell at the club after he originally made his debut for Saints in 2006 – after signing from Blackbrook.

He moved to Widnes on loan in 2008 and then Salford, but was recalled by the Saints to play in the 2010 Grand Final run in.

Smith signed for Salford in 2010 but halfway through 2012 moved to Wigan – just a couple of days after playing for England against the Exiles.

Smith said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be back at my hometown team.

“It should be a seamless transition as I have come through the system at Saints and know the key staff and players as well as the club’s culture.

“I am committed to bringing silverware back to the club and look forward to helping the younger players develop.”