Smoothy to join Perth after Wakefield release

Wakefield hooker Smoothy is set to join Perth. Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell said the club would like to keep Smoothy but he's been released on compassionate grounds.

Smoothy, who plays at hooker for Wakefield Trinity, has been permitted to leave the club to relocate to Perth. The development was reported on 2026-07-27, with the club indicating that the decision responds to compassionate circumstances. Wakefield had hoped to retain the player but agreed to the request for release.

The move will see Smoothy depart Wakefield while the club handles the administrative process around his release. Officials at Wakefield Trinity confirmed the intention to offer continued support to the player during the transition. The club’s statement reiterated that the exit was sanctioned for compassionate reasons rather than footballing ones.

Manager Daryl Powell addressed the situation directly, acknowledging the club’s preference to keep the player available for selection. "Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell said the club would like to keep Smoothy but he's been released on compassionate grounds." That line remains the clearest public comment from the club on the matter.

Details about Smoothy’s arrangements in Perth, including the timing of his move and any association with a new club there, have not been released by Wakefield Trinity. The club has limited its public remarks to confirmation of the release and its motivation. No further comments were provided regarding contract specifics or future playing plans.

Supporters and teammates have not been quoted in the club’s public release, and Wakefield’s communications focused on respecting the player’s privacy while completing the release process. The club emphasized its desire to retain Smoothy but confirmed the decision was final in light of the compassionate grounds cited.

Smoothy’s departure removes a hooker option from Wakefield Trinity’s squad, and the club will now manage the squad implications internally. "Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell said the club would like to keep Smoothy but he's been released on compassionate grounds." The club indicated the release was granted to accommodate the player’s personal circumstances.