Super League: Scrum-half Tim Smith makes Wakefield Wildcats move permanent

Wakefield have secured the services of influential scrum-half Tim Smith for 2015.

The 29-year-old Australian was sold to Salford by the cash-strapped Wildcats just over 12 months ago but failed to settle and returned on loan in June.

Smith, who was a big success in his first spell at Wakefield, helped spark a five-match unbeaten run on his return that steered the club away from the relegation zone and coach James Webster is thrilled that his club have managed to secure his release from the last year of his Salford contract.

"I'm obviously delighted that Tim will be playing for us in 2015," Webster said.

It was an easy decision. I think people can see I'm happy at Wakefield and enjoy everything about the club.

"Everyone who has followed the club for the past three years will have seen the influence that Tim has on the team. Tim's experience and direction will be priceless in the aim of yet again improving next season."

Easy decision

The former Wigan and Parramatta half-back played in Wakefield's last 12 matches of 2014, taking his total of Super League appearances with them to 89, and was their player of the year in 2012.

"It was an easy decision," Smith said. "I think people can see I'm happy at Wakefield and enjoy everything about the club.

"The players are a great bunch to play with and the coaching staff are easy to get along with. They've set targets that we're confident we can make.

"I think we will have a really good, balanced squad and the coaching staff have recruited well. If we keep our squad fit, then we've as much chance as anyone else to make the top eight. It will be tough but we go into the year full of optimism."