Matty Smith quits Super League champions Wigan to rejoin rivals St Helens
MATTY SMITH has quit newly-crowned Super League champions Wigan and rejoined bitter rivals St Helens on a three-year deal.
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The scrum-half played alongside Wayne Rooney in the junior ranks at Everton before turning his attention to rugby league with Saints. He made his debut in 2006 and joined Salford in 2010 before moving to Wigan in July 2012.
Smith leaves the Warriors having won two Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield during a 139-game stay which harvested 22 tries, 304 goals and a club-record 25 drop-goals.
The 29-year-old had 12 months remaining on his contract but St Helens have handed him a three-year deal.
Smith, whose final appearance for Wigan was last weekend's Grand Final win over Warrington, said: "I'm thrilled and honoured to be back at my hometown team.
Matty Smith has rejoined St Helens on a three-year deal after deciding to leave Wigan
"It should be a seamless transition as I have come through the system at Saints and know the key staff and players as well as the club's culture.
"I am committed to bringing silverware back to the club and look forward to helping the younger players develop."
Keiron Cunningham played with Smith at St Helens and the head coach said: "I'm delighted to have secured the services of Matty.
"He a class scrum-half who possesses a fantastic kicking and passing game as well as being an accomplished goal-kicker.
"This is a perfect opportunity for us to bring his experience and professionalism to the Saints to not only guide the side around the park but help nurture the youngsters we have here. His partnership with Theo Fages will be an exciting one to watch."
New Zealand playmaker Thomas Leuluai is returning to Wigan next season and Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan said: "The time was right in view of his tremendous service to Wigan for Matty to take up this new opportunity and secure his long-term future."
Meanwhile, Wayne Bennett has confirmed it is a straight fight between Sam Burgess and James Graham for the England captaincy ahead of the Four Nations.
New England boss Bennett said: "They're the two in the category when it comes to the leading contenders."