MATTY Smith admits Wigan’s Super League glory could have been helped by arch-rivals St Helens.
And he hopes to haunt his former club by guiding his new one to silverware.
The scrum-half is back where he started after crossing rugby league’s greatest divide for the second time.
Smith’s departure from the Warriors was officially announced days after their Grand Final win over Warrington but was agreed before then.
And he has revealed how Wigan boss Shaun Wane sent him towards the exit door and the role it played in his part of their success.
Smith, who left for Salford in 2010, said: “In the end, moving back was pretty easy as it was a little bit out of my hands.
“I spoke to Shaun in depth and he agreed that it would be better for me to move on.
“Although it was out of my hands, it’s something I was excited about because it’s St Helens and working with Keiron Cunningham and players I’d played with before again.
“But as soon as it got done it was a weight lifted off my shoulders and I could concentrate on finishing the year well with Wigan.
“It was hard as it was up to the clubs as to when they announced it – that was again out of my hands but I knew it was best to do it after the Grand Final.
“I was a young kid when I left and didn’t know what I know now. Leaving was tough at the time but it was probably what I needed.
“Now I can bring that talk and organisation through the middle to get us around the park.”
Like it or not, Smith is having the rarity of a full pre-season after missing out on an England spot for the Four Nations.
He is also getting used to training again at his old high school, Cowley, where he has seen some of his old teachers.
Instead of guiding the likes of Sam Burgess and James Graham around the pitch, he was muttering at his TV at home.
But he has a real aim of getting back into the national squad for the World Cup – ideally on the back of a fine season with Saints.
The 29-year-old added: “It’s been a bit strange having a full pre-season.
“Obviously, it was disappointing not playing for England but being at a new club, to get a full pre-season is probably what I need.
“It’s difficult watching. One of the things I do well is kick the ball and we didn’t do it that well. It’s frustrating when you’re not involved.
“I’ve got to concentrate on playing well for St Helens and what will happen will happen but playing in a World Cup is probably the pinnacle of most professionals’ careers.
“It’s definitely an aim for me.
“But it feels pretty weird to be back at my old school. There’s a pitch outside our building, which is where I used to have English lessons in what was called the L Block.
“And I’ve seen some of my old teachers who are still there. I saw one called Mr Evans the other day, calling him Rob was weird – I still call him Sir!”
TOP RUGBY LEAGUE STORIES
Leave a comment