Wakefield Trinity have confirmed that hooker Tyson Smoothy will leave the club at the end of the season to join the newly formed NRL side Perth Bears.
Release granted on compassionate grounds
The 27-year-old Australian, who signed a three-year deal to play for Trinity this season, has been granted an early release from his contract on compassionate grounds. Club director of rugby Ste Mills paid tribute to Smoothy’s contribution while acknowledging the player’s desire to return home.
"Tyson has made a fantastic contribution to the squad this season and while we would love to keep him, we are conscious of family circumstances and his desire to return home,"
The club also noted that Smoothy’s attitude and performances have been “first class” throughout the campaign and that the club supports his decision to depart.
On-field contribution this season
Smoothy has been a regular presence for Trinity, appearing 21 times in all competitions and scoring four tries as the club have pushed towards the top end of the Super League table. Head coach Daryl Powell had earlier signalled that Smoothy would be moving on at the end of 2026, and the announcement confirms he will head back to Australia ahead of the Bears’ inaugural season.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 |
| Trinity appearances (this season) | 21 |
| Tries scored (this season) | 4 |
| Contract length signed with Trinity | Three years |
Perth Bears’ strong recruiting
Perth’s new NRL project has already attracted several players with local Super League connections: the Bears are set to bring in three players from Leeds Rhinos — James McDonnell, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki — to join Smoothy for their first campaign.
- Smoothy mid-season role: regular hooker with 21 appearances.
- Reason for departure: compassionate grounds and family circumstances.
- Destination: Perth Bears for inaugural NRL season.
For Wakefield Trinity supporters, Smoothy’s exit will mean the club must plan for life without a player who has been a consistent performer during a season that has seen Trinity sit near the top of the Super League. The club’s public acknowledgement of the compassionate reasons suggests the departure is driven by personal factors rather than purely sporting considerations.
As the season progresses, Trinity will assess options to replace the hooker role and maintain momentum on the field. The move also reflects the growing pull of the NRL and new franchises in Australia on British-based players with ties to home.
Further details on the timing of Smoothy’s departure and any replacement recruitment are expected from Wakefield Trinity in the coming weeks.
