Ex-St Helens and Wigan Warriors halfback Matty Smith makes surprising decision on his future

Matty Smith and Steve Tyrer have both decided to retire from rugby league after long and successful careers.

Tyrer returned to the DCBL Stadium for a third spell ahead of the 2021 season after a prolific nine years at Halifax and in total scored 668 points in 79 appearances for Widnes.

The pair first joined on loan from St Helens in 2008, with Smith returning from Catalans Dragons in time for 2020 which was sadly curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He totalled 67 appearances for the Vikings, and was an ever present in 2022.

There will be further follow-up interviews with both players, but Tyrer posted on social media:“I just wanted to let you all know I’ve decided to call time on my rugby league career. I’ve lived the childhood dream of playing for St Helens. I played for Celtic Crusaders, Widnes Vikings, Salford and Halifax.

“I can honestly say that each of those clubs gave me the time of my life. I’ve met incredible people along the way and you’ve left me with memories for life.

“I’m absolutely gutted at the way I’ve gone out and with an injury but that’s life at times.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every team-mate, coach, staff member, sponsor and supporter I’ve come across in my time. But most of all my family, Natalie, and the kids have been my rocks.

“They are the ones who pick up the pieces after the lows and the ones who ride the wave on the highs. I love you all so much and I will retire a very happy and contempt man.”

Lloyd Roby will leave having been at the club since the age of 14. He made his debut back in 2017 and went on to make 52 appearances for the Vikings, scoring 23 tries, though sadly had his 2022 campaign cut short through injury.

Also departing are forwards Kenny Baker and Levy Nzoungou, as well as centre Jake Spedding and hookers Lewis Hulme and Dec Gregory.

Baker and Spedding have spent the past three seasons with the Vikings, making 49 and 26 appearances respectively.

Widnes posted this on their website: “The club wishes all departing players all the best for the future.

“The recruitment process for 2023 has been ongoing for some time and is virtually complete,  announcements of new signings will be made in the coming days.”