Wakefield Trinity have granted Tyson Smoothy an early release from his contract on compassionate grounds – allowing the Perth Bears to sign the 27-year-old hooker to a three-year deal to start in 2027.
Smoothy, a 2025 NRL Premiership winner with the Brisbane Broncos, has played 20 Super League matches for the Wildcats this season and will remain a mainstay of their squad as they strive for the 2026 Super League title.
“Tyson has made a fantastic contribution to the squad this season and while we would love to keep him at the club, we are conscious of family circumstances and his desire to return home to Australia,” Wakefield Trinity Director of Rugby Ste Mills said.
“Tyson’s attitude and performance have been first class all year and the club is supportive of his decision.”
Smoothy made his NRL debut in 2021 and has played 46 First Grade games for both the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos.
The dynamic dummy half will join fellow Broncos premiership winning teammate Gehamat Shibasaki at the Bears in 2027.
“I would like to thank Daryl, Ste and all the staff and players at Wakefield for their understanding of my situation and the opportunity they have provided me to return to Australia,” Smoothy said.
“I’m focused on continuing to work hard for this great club and bring the Super League title to Wakefield.
“I am also excited about the opportunity to make history with the Perth Bears next season. The squad is taking shape, and it will be good to see a few familiar faces.”
Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga thanked Wakefield Trinity, while also welcoming Smoothy and his young family to the Bears.
“I’d like to thank Daryl, Ste and the Wakefield club for releasing Tyson and allowing him to sign with the Perth Bears,” Meninga said.
“They are a proud club and the fact they let Tyson return home early shows how much they care about their players.
“I’m looking forward to working with Tyson when he returns home. He is a super talented player who has had success throughout his career.
“Our squad is starting to take shape and with the addition of Gehamat and Tyson, we now have four players in our squad who have tasted Premiership success over the last two seasons.”
