Matty Smith

[Wes]

And on the same subject, can anyone realistically see a way back for Stefan Marsh?

Not sure on that 1 mate, IMO we have too many outside backs now but he may get a chance after George has gone however we haven't really missed him have we? How's he doing for Widnes?

[exile in Tiger country]

And on the same subject, can anyone realistically see a way back for Stefan Marsh?

Not sure on that 1 mate, IMO we have too many outside backs now but he may get a chance after George has gone however we haven't really missed him have we? How's he doing for Widnes?

From what I have seen, and from a Widnes fan mate, he is definitley one of the best for them.
I would be disappointed to lose him, especially if/when George goes. He is a better centre than Jack Hughes.

[Kittwazzer]

And on the same subject, can anyone realistically see a way back for Stefan Marsh?

Not sure on that 1 mate, IMO we have too many outside backs now but he may get a chance after George has gone however we haven't really missed him have we? How's he doing for Widnes?

Very well by all accounts. Him and Joe are making quite an impact. I believe he had a stormer against us but you'd have expected him to raise his game for that one. He probably felt slighted that we allowed him to play in that game!

[Wes]

Sponsored bySmith will join Wigan


Published on Monday 4 June 2012 10:22

MATTY Smith is set to be confirmed as Wigan Warriors’ first signing for next season.

The Salford half-back has agreed a deal with the Warriors and an official announcement could be made within days, the Evening Post understands.

It emerged last week that Shaun Wane had targeted the 24-year-old as a replacement for Thomas Leuluai, who is heading back to the NRL with New Zealand Warriors.

And it is understood that Smith has agreed a two or three-year deal after rejecting offers from Salford, Widnes and former club St Helens.

Though Wane would not be drawn on speculation, he gave an insight into the type of scrum-half he was chasing during an interview last week.

“I’m one to think outside the box,” he said, revealing his preference for a “project” rather than a marquee recruit from Down Under. And Smith would appear to fit the bill, having shown glimpses of his ability at Salford this season after previous stints with Widnes and Crusaders when he struggled for opportunities at Saints behind Sean Long.

Reports elsewhere linking Wigan with St Helens’ out of favour Lee Gaskell were wide of the mark.

Wane is still hoping to persuade stand-off Brett Finch to stay at the club despite strong interest from Super League and NRL sides, including ex-coach Michael Maguire’s Souths.

But he is resigned to losing George Carmont (retirement), Jeff Lima (Souths) and Leuluai (NZ), while injured prop Stuart Fielden is out of contract at the end of this season.

WIGAN’S 50-8 smashing of Leeds last Friday night has heightened fans’ excitement for the semi-final showdown between the two outfits.

Season ticket holders can get their hands on Challenge Cup semi-final tickets from this Wednesday.

Wigan have received their allocation for the clash - taking place at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, July 14 (5.30pm) - costing from £18 adult and £9 concession. They are limited to two per season ticket holder or member. Any remaining tickets go on general sale on Monday, June 11 from the DW Stadium ticket office.


Email to a friend Print this page
TOP STORIES
Leeds 8 Wigan 50
Farrell quits Sarries
I want teams to despise us: Wane
Lima aiming to finish on a high
Wane ready to blood Rhodri
SPORT
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Warriors
Local Football
Other Local Sport
National Sport

[DaveO]

I think he's just an ordinary player. Not my idea of a good signing.

Same here. Before this rumour appeared his name was never mentioned as someone we should be looking at by anyone on here or rlfans for that matter. He just wasn't on the radar.

Whenever other players have been discussed as a half back replacements such as Scott Dureau, Brough or even Kevin Brown, Matty Smith's name has never entered the discussion as an alternative. People even said when discussing Brough he wasn't needed (if we kept Finch) as we have Mellor and Powell.

Now we look like we have signed Smith he has become a good player overnight.

[Wes]

Just a question for you all, and don't weigh into me it is a question to be answered both sensibly and honestly?

What are the key differences between Tommy and Smith player wise?
Also is Tommy better than Smith if so why?

[Panchitta Marra]

Cant say I have seen enough in him to make me think he will be any where near as effective as Tommy.
If he does come, then I hope its at bargain basement costs and not 6 figure sums that are being suggested.

[exile in Tiger country]

Just a question for you all, and don't weigh into me it is a question to be answered both sensibly and honestly?

What are the key differences between Tommy and Smith player wise?
Also is Tommy better than Smith if so why?

Tackling!! Tommy is probably better than some teams second row forwards when it comes to tackling.
Having seen Smith's support running he is probably similar to Tommy, probably slightly faster, but don't quote me on that.
Smith has a decent passing game, and his attacking kicking in the play off's last season was very good.
I have always thought attacking kicks were one of Tommy's weaker points apart from grubbers into the in goal.
However if I were given the choice, I would still take Tommy, but think Smith will do very well assuming we manage to keep Finch.
I think keeping hold of Finch is the key to next season really.

[Panchitta Marra]

Just a question for you all, and don't weigh into me it is a question to be answered both sensibly and honestly?

What are the key differences between Tommy and Smith player wise?
Also is Tommy better than Smith if so why?

Did you find out any truth behind the rumour of Michael McIllorum supposedly wanting a move or more money as mentioned on the RedVee site "29wes28".

[Wes]

Nah mate but I hope it is just rumour and he signs on for the long term because under the coaching of Waney, Harris and co he is becoming magnificent!

I would encourage him to have a bit more of a kicking game and if he can take that on to a good decree we would have a very complete 80 min hooker IMO!