Wakefield Trinity coach Daryl Powell talks Tyson Smoothy exit and why Mason Teague is ideal replacement
A transfer fee has softened the blow of losing overseas ace Tyson Smoothy, Wakefield Trinity coach Daryl Powell says.
Smoothy moved to Wakefield in pre-season on a three-year contract after winning the 2025 NRL Grand Final with Brisbane Broncos. His departure at the end of the current campaign, to join newcomers Perth Bears in the southern hemisphere competition, was announced this week.
Trinity have already confirmed the signing of his replacement, Cook Islands international Mason Teague from Queensland Cup outfit Burleigh Bears, who will share the number nine role with homegrown star Harvey Smith. Talking at today’s (Wednesday) preview press conference ahead of Wakefield’s game at Catalans Dragons on Saturday, Powell admitted: “Tyson has fitted in really well.
“He has gradually got better across the year and he’s going really well for us. It’s disappointing, but it's a family thing from his perspective and we have got a fee from Perth as well. Once we found out what Tyson wanted to do we worked pretty hard to make sure the club didn’t lose out, because obviously we’ve got to find a replacement, which we have.”
Powell insisted: “I don’t think there’s any point in worrying about it. What we want to do is have an outstanding finish to the season now and for Tyson to have had a great impact on us and come away with something special.
“That’s the aim for all of us and he has been a big part of the year. We wish him all the best when he goes, but at the moment he’s here.”
Of Teague, Powell added: “Obviously we want to get a player that is similar-ish in his style and fits into the way we play. Harvey is a big part of that as well, so we have to make sure we get the balance right between two hookers.
“We feel we’ve got that perfect with Tyson and Harvey and I feel with Mason and Harvey it’ll be a similar sort of connection. Harvey will obviously be another year developed next year, so I feel like we ticked all the boxes we needed to in that regard.
“We’ve got a really good fella off the field and a good professional on it who we hope to grow as well. He’s a talented young guy and we’re looking forward to bringing him on board when the time comes.”