Former Hull half-back Will Smith finds new club back in the NRL
Former Hull half-back Will Smith has returned to the NRL ahead of the 2023 season on a full-time training contract with the Wests Tigers.
The 30-year-old linked up with Super League club Hull midway through last season. He scored two tries in seven appearances for Brett Hodgson’s side.
Smith has played 84 games in the NRL across nine seasons for Penrith Panthers, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens said: “Will is a talented player who can cover a lot of positions.
“His experience will be very helpful because we have such a young squad.”
Tigers boss delighted to welcome Will Smith to the club
Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said: “Will brings experience and he brings leadership, qualities that will certainly contribute value to the club.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Will and his family to Wests Tigers.”
Smith came through the ranks at Newcastle Knights but made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2014 and played five seasons with Parramatta between 2017-21, scoring nine tries in 54 games for the Eels.
He made nine appearances last season for the Titans before making the move to England with Hull.
Smith, who was named in the 2014 New South Wales Cup Team of the Year, has represented the Indigenous All Stars twice – in 2016 and 2022.
The Tigers finished 2022 with the Wooden Spoon, having finished bottom of the NRL ladder. Wests managed just four wins in 24 matches.
The Tigers have made a couple of big signings ahead of 2023 in the shape of Fiji hooker Api Koroisau from champions Penrith as well as New Zealand international Isaiah Papali’i.
Winger Charlie Staines, who made his Samoa debut earlier this year, also makes the move to the Tigers from Penrith.
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