Widnes sign Matty Smith

Widnes have signed Matty Smith on a one-year deal.

Smith, 32, recently left Catalans after a brief loan stint at Warrington and returns to the Vikings for a second spell, having spent 2008 on loan there from St Helens.

He is a two-time Super League winner and won the Lance Todd Trophy in Wigan’s 2013 Challenge Cup win.

Smith said: “I’m excited to have signed for Widnes Vikings ahead of the the 2020 season, and I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s great to finally get a club sorted, and as soon as I spoke to Tim (Sheens) I wanted to sign here.

“I have been here before but I was a lot younger back then. At that point in my career I just wanted to play regular rugby league and that wasn’t happening at St Helens. Widnes gave me a chance to do that and I was really grateful at the time, coming over with the likes of Chris Dean and Steve Tyrer.

“I really enjoyed the three months I spent here at the back end of the 2008 season, now it feels like it’s come around full circle and now I have a chance to finish my career with Widnes.

“It is an exciting squad and the way Tim wants the team to play really suits me, and hopefully that can bring out the best in me.

“Widnes is a big club, and although they’re currently in the Championship I think the goal around the town and the club with the appointment of Tim is to eventually get back into Super League, and hopefully I can be a part of that.

“Throughout my career I feel like I have always had a point to prove, and no matter where you play you always have a few doubters. I want to get back to enjoying my rugby again, and I think the way Tim wants to play will benefit me which will hopefully show in my performances on the pitch.”