Matty Smith to retire as Widnes Vikings confirm departure list

Widnes Vikings have announced that 2022 will be Matty Smith’s last after the half-back confirmed his retirement from rugby league.

Smith, 35, will hang up the boots with more than 300 career appearances, having made his debut for St Helens in 2006.

The half-back went on to appear for the likes of Salford, Wigan, Catalans, Warrington and Widnes across a successful career. He also earned international honours with England, winning four caps between 2014 and 2015.

Smith won the Lance Todd Trophy in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final as Wigan defeated Hull F.C. 16–0 at Wembley Stadium. He was also part of the winning Super League Grand Final side that year, earning a spot in the Dream Team.

He also won the 2016 Grand Final with the Warriors, kicking two goals at Old Trafford.

Having featured for Widnes on loan previously in his career, Smith made the move to the club permanently in 2020. He totalled 67 appearances for the Vikings, and was an ever present in 2022. 

Widnes Vikings confirm departures

Steve Tyrer recently announced his retirement from the sport. 

The centre returned to the DCBL Stadium for a third spell ahead of the 2021 season after a prolific nine years at Halifax. In total, he scored 668 points in 79 appearances for Widnes.

Lloyd Roby will leave having been at the club since the age of 14. He earned 52 appearances for the club, having made his debut back in 2017.

Also departing are forwards Kenny Baker and Levy Nzoungou, as well as centre Jake Spedding and hookers Lewis Hulme and Dec Gregory.

Baker and Spedding have spent the past three seasons with the Vikings, making 49 and 26 appearances respectively.

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