WAKEFIELD TRINITY coach Daryl Powell has confirmed that Tyson Smoothy will leave at the end of the season.
Hooker Smoothy signed a three-year contract ahead of this season, joining fresh from winning the NRL title with Brisbane Broncos.
But the 27-year-old has been strongly linked over the past couple of months with a premature return to Australia for personal reasons.
Wakefield are now looking to source a new signing to replace Smoothy in next season’s squad.
“He’s going home, and that’s been done (decided) for a few months,” said Powell. “He knows what’s happening and we know what’s happening.
“It’s family-related. I think he’s enjoying his time here for sure, but sometimes there are bigger things at play.”
As well as hunting a new addition, Powell also sees second-choice Harvey Smith as capable of stepping up soon.
Powell said of the 20-year-old: “He’s class. He’s grown immeasurably. He won’t be the tallest but he’s fast, tough and brave. He can score tries.
“The penny has dropped over a few things in his game in last few weeks. He’s an 80-minute player of the future.”
Wakefield head to Bradford Bulls on Thursday looking to secure a fifth straight win.
Max Jowitt and Seth Nikotemo have not been included in their 21-man squad, with fullback Jowitt dropped to the reserves for game time and New Zealand-born, Australia-raised back-rower Nikotemo temporarily back home for personal reasons.
Corey Hall has been selected following a leg injury, although Powell said he was not likely appear for another week.