Outgoing St Helens Women’s coach Matty Smith described his reign as unbelievable but admitted he could not turn down a move to the club’s arch-rivals.
The coach, a former Saints player, is leaving the club for Wigan Warriors, where he has signed a four-year deal as academy coach.
Smith had a successful 16-year playing career, featuring for St Helens in two separate spells and reaching the Super League Grand final with them in 2010.
He also played 139 games for Wigan Warriors, winning two Grand Finals in 2013 and 2016.
Smith said: “I’ve been very grateful to coach the girls.
“The last two years have been unbelievable. I wanted to get into coaching and to get offered a job straight after finishing playing was unexpected, and it was probably the best thing that happened in terms of my development, and I’ve learned a lot quicker.
“For the club to give me that opportunity was great and I’ve loved every minute.”
After retiring from playing in 2021 Smith took the role of St Helens Women’s coach in December of 2022, guiding them to a second placed finish in that season.
Since then he has won two consecutive Challenge Cups and he led the team to the Women’s Grand Final two weeks ago.
The 37-year-old will continue the theme of developing his coaching skills and experience at the clubs he previously played for as he joins Wigan.
Smith said that this opportunity was just too good to turn down as it’s a massive chance for him to further develop his coaching.
He said: “I see this as a really big role and an important one that allows me to work with and develop young talented individuals that this club has always produced.
“I’m looking forward to working with all the coaches from across the club and improving and developing myself as a coach also and I can’t wait to get started.”
Wigan’s head coach, Matt Peet has said Smith had a huge influence on the academy players back in his first stint at the club during his playing career.
He said: “Matty was heavily involved in coaching our juniors when he was playing here and his passion for coaching is clear to see. We are excited to welcome him back to the club.”
The new coach will start his role at the beginning of the 2025 season.
