TYSON SMOOTHY will join NRL newcomers Perth Bears when he leaves Wakefield Trinity at the end of the year.
The Australian hooker only joined Wakefield ahead of this season, fresh from winning the NRL title with Brisbane Broncos.
But the three-year contract he signed has been cut short on compassionate grounds.
Wakefield have teased a new signing on social media to replace 27-year-old Smoothy, who has made 21 appearances to help the club rise to second place in the Super League table.
Director of rugby Ste Mills said: “Tyson has made a fantastic contribution to the squad this season and while we would love to keep him at the club, we are conscious of family circumstances and his desire to return home to Australia.
“Tyson’s attitude and performance have been first class all year and the club is supportive of his decision”.
Smoothy said: “I would like to thank Daryl (Powell, head coach), Ste and all the staff and players at Wakefield for their understanding of my situation and the opportunity they have provided me to return to Australia.
“I’m focused on continuing to work hard for this great club and to bring the Super League title to Wakefield.”
Perth are now close to completing their squad for their maiden campaign, with Smoothy their 24th addition.
A third of them come from the European game, including English stars James McDonnell, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki from Leeds Rhinos.
Toby Sexton will join from Catalans Dragons alongside Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, who recently left the Perpignan club early.
Emarly Bitungane and Luke Smith will also arrive after a season in the Championship with London Broncos.
Big-name signings by former Australia coach Mal Meninga include Penrith Panthers’ Liam Henry, Nick Meaney from Melbourne Storm, and Gehamat Shibasaki, who was part of Brisbane’s title-winning squad last year alongside Smoothy.
“I am excited about the opportunity to make history with the Perth Bears next season,” said Smoothy.
“The squad is taking shape, and it will be good to see a few familiar faces.”
Meninga said: “I’m looking forward to working with Tyson when he returns home. He is a super-talented player who has had success throughout his career.”