MATTY Smith, Saints first team assistant coach and Women’s Head Coach, has left the club following the conclusion of the 2024 rugby league season.

He has joined Wigan as the club's Academy coach, a club for whom he played 139 games at halfback between 2012 and 2016 winning two Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup.  He also won the Lance Todd Trophy in 2013 and made the Dream Team twice during his time at Wigan.   

Following his retirement as a player, Smith joined Saints in a coaching capacity in December 2022, taking up the role of Women’s Head Coach.

During the 2023 season, Smith began working alongside the St Helens First Team in an Assistant Coach capacity alongside his Women’s team duties.

For the 2024 season, he was in a dual role across both teams.

In his two seasons in charge of the Saints Women, Smith helped guide the team to two Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup wins at Wembley Stadium, and the 2024 Women’s League Leaders’ Shield.

Saints Women came close to making it a treble in 2024 but suffered a defeat to York in the Women’s Grand Final.

At the 2024 Rugby League Awards Night, Smith was named the Betfred Women’s Super League Coach of the Year.

Smith said: “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.

“With the Women’s team, I stepped in to work with a good side, and my goal was to improve a few different things.

"I think this year in particular we showed it and the girls bought into what we wanted to do, so I’ve been very grateful to coach the girls.

“Getting the opportunity to come into work with the First Team with Wello [Paul Wellens], Laurent [Frayssinous], Ian [Talbot], and Matty [Daniels], you are only going to learn being around men like them and try to improve.

"So again, I’ve been really grateful and I’ve taken a lot from it.”

Head Coach Paul Wellens said : “Matty began his coaching journey with Saints two years ago, and in that time we have seen how passionate he has been in his roles in the Club.

“We thank him for his efforts for the Saints’ First and Women teams, and wish him all the best for the future.”

Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski said: “Matty has always had a tremendous, forward thinking rugby league brain. He used it productively as a player and has more recently expressed this through the teams he has coached. Having done an amazing job with the St.Helens Women’s team, he now has a desire to progress the coaching of the elite young men. 

“Matt Peet and I met with him and his passion for coaching shone through. I think he will be an outstanding addition to our Club’s performance team ”

Head Coach Matt Peet 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 into the Club. 

“He has been very impressive in the way he has led his teams over recent seasons. Our academy players will be in great hands.”