Wigan Warriors half-back Matty Smith has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal with the club, ensuring he will remain with the Warriors until at least the end of the 2018 season.
Since signing from Salford Red Devils in July 2012, Smith has become an integral part of Shaun Wane’s side; winning the Lance Todd Trophy in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final as well as playing a significant role in Wigan’s double-winning success last year.
Smith has been equally instrumental this year, scoring 276 points for the Club, with his form earning him selection to the Super League Dream Team for the second consecutive year. And he says that it was an easy decision to stay with the club, and pointed to the influence of Shaun Wane as a major reason for him signing a new deal.
“I love everything about the Club,” Smith said. “Once the contract had been offered it didn’t take me long to make my mind up to sign. Wigan have surpassed all the promises that were made when they originally signed me. My game has improved significantly under the guidance of Shaun Wane who was an important factor in me extending my stay.
“Now I just want to win as much as I can with this great Club and with my team mates who I enjoying working with so much.”
Wane was equally delighted to get Smith tied down to a long-term deal, saying: “I am so pleased that such an influential and skilful player like Matty has committed his future to us. His desire for success is a perfect match for us as a Club and an organisation. He wants to be the best and he knows he can achieve that at Wigan.”
Wigan General Manager Kris Radlinski also threw Smith’s name into the mix for international honours in the near future, saying: “We are thrilled to have secured the services of Matty Smith for four further years. His form has been outstanding this season, having played every game and leading the team through an injury crisis.
“He has a level-headed and committed approach to Rugby League and has a proven big game mentality. We now expect Matty’s career to kick on even more as he looks to take his Super League form onto the International stage.”
