Smith set to make Saints return
September 08, 2010 15:26:53 UK
Salford scrum half Matty Smith is poised to make a sensational return for St Helens in Friday night's Engage Super League play-off clash with Warrington
It's been two-and-a-half years since his last Saints appearance.
Injuries to regular half-backs Kyle Eastmond and Leon Pryce have prompted Saints coach Mick Potter to recall Smith from his season-long loan spell with the Reds and place him on stand-by for the qualifying play-off.
Betting for the match has St Helens 2.10 to win, with Warrington 1.80 and the tie 19.00.
Smith, 23, who has signed a two-year contract with Salford from next season, can play at either scrum-half or stand-off.
A St Helens spokesman said: "Matty has agreed to rejoin the club and he gives us greater flexibility.
"We'd like to thank Salford City Reds for assisting us in this matter and look forward to welcoming Matty back in training shortly."
Smith's last appearance for Saints was against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan in March 2008, ironically, when Potter was in charge of the French club, since when he has been loaned out to Celtic Crusaders and, more recently, Salford.
He also appeared for the Saints in their opening play-off against Leeds three years ago when Sean Long was injured but made way for Long's return for the Grand Final a fortnight later.
Smith has not been named in Potter's 19-man squad but he could be drafted in up to an hour before kick-off if utility back Jonny Lomax, who has deputised for Pryce in the last two matches, fails to recover from a quad injury.
Smith said: "As soon as the club contacted me, I jumped at the chance to be part of the play-offs.
"Whilst my future very much lies with Salford, it's good to be back at Knowsley Road for a short period and linking up with many of my former team-mates.
"I have played in a play-off series before and I hope that experience will be useful to the club.
"I cannot wait to get started at the club and try to fight my way into what is already a successful team."
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