WAKEFIELD TRINITY are looking forward to welcoming an NRL winner to their ranks in Tyson Smooothy.

The forward’s move from Brisbane Broncos for 2026 was announced way back in February, just a couple of weeks into the new season.

Things have gone well for Wakefield since, marking their first season back in Super League with an impressive sixth-placed finish which ensured a play-off run, albeit only lasting one week as they lost an eliminator at Leigh Leopards.

But it’s been an even more successful year for Smoothy, who was part of Brisbane’s NRL Grand Final-winning side last Sunday.

Smoothy played eleven games this year for the Broncos, taking his club tally to 42 appearances in three years and his NRL count to 46, including four matches for Melbourne Storm.

While not a regular throughout the campaign, he was trusted by coach Michael Maguire in the play-offs, featuring in all three of their ties.

The 26-year-old was a substitute against Canberra Raiders before starting the semi-final win over defending champions Penrith Panthers at loose-forward in place of the suspended Patrick Carrigan.

For the decider against Melbourne, Smoothy came off the bench late in each half to replace head-injury assessed players Brendan Piakura then Ben Hunt, and helped see out a 26-22 victory for the Broncos’ first title in 19 years.

Smoothy, who was also part of the Brisbane side beaten in the 2023 showpiece by Penrith, has featured regularly at both hooker and loose-forward, a versatility valued by Maguire.

“Tyson gives us a point of difference off the bench,” said the former Wigan Warriors and South Sydney Rabbitohs title-winning boss ahead of the Grand Final.

“I like his utility value. He covers lock, hooker and back row if required, so with the way the game is played at the moment, he does bring that versatility to us.”

Smoothy has signed a three-year deal with Wakefield, one of three imminent arrivals from down under alongside Jazz Tevaga, who can also play at nine or 13, from Manly Sea Eagles and Tray Lolesio, a prop from Redcliffe Dolphins.

Also incoming for next season are Featherstone Rovers forward Jordan Williams and young St Helens playmaker Kian McGann.

Ste Mills, Wakefield’s director of rugby, said of Smoothy’s signing when it was confirmed: “Tyson’s big-game experience and leadership will be a huge addition to our already strong squad and be a valuable asset. 

“Tyson has fully bought into what we are doing here and we feel bringing in someone of Tyson’s calibre will help us take the club to another level.”