St Helens hooker Aaron Smith makes loan move

James Gordon 22 Oct 2021 4:54 PM

St Helens have confirmed that hooker Aaron Smith has joined Leigh on a season-long loan.

Smith, 25, played for the Centurions on dual-registration in 2019, the same year he played for Saints in their Grand Final win over Salford.

NEW FACES: How St Helens could line up in 2022

He said: “I’ve had a small glimpse of what playing for Leigh is like before, and I’m really looking forward to pulling on the shirt and showing the fans what I can do.

“I want to have a good year and help the club achieve its aim of winning the competition.”

Going for game time

With captain James Roby playing on and the signing of Joey Lussick, Smith’s first team prospects at Saints are limited.

He featured on nine occasions in 2021 and has played 41 times in total since his debut in 2018.

Smith played for England Knights in their 56-4 win over Jamaica last week.

Centurions Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Aaron Smith has been a great player for Saints but with his game time limited will now have the opportunity to play regularly for the next 12 months.

“He’s been a great understudy to James Roby and has got a really good work ethic and skill base. Everyone I’ve spoken to gives him good wraps and says what a good kid he is.

“He played exceptionally in the England Knights game and he’s an important signing for us. We are getting the spine of the team together now and with Aaron playing in such a pivotal position I jumped at the chance to sign him.”

Leigh are still yet to appoint head coach following their relegation from Super League.