What a Shock, Broncos Hooker Reveals His New Club for 2026 – And It’s NOT Who You Expected
Brisbane Broncos hooker Tyson Smoothy has confirmed he will depart Red Hill at the conclusion of the 2025 season to embark on a new chapter in the English Super League with Wakefield Trinity.
Smoothy, who joined the Broncos in 2023, has become a reliable bench option under the guidance of Kevin Walters. His consistent performances in 2024 saw him cement a role as the Broncos’ interchange dummy half, providing vital impact off the bench. Prior to his stint in Brisbane, the 25-year-old honed his craft in the Queensland Cup and made his NRL debut with the Melbourne Storm.
However, Smoothy’s future at the Broncos looked increasingly uncertain heading into 2025. With Walters making way for incoming coach Michael Maguire, the club’s hooker pecking order is set for a reshuffle. Young talents Cory Paix and Blake Mozer — despite currently sidelined with injury — are expected to be given greater opportunities under Maguire’s regime, potentially limiting Smoothy’s first-grade chances.
Faced with the prospect of reduced game time, Smoothy has opted to take up a three-year deal with Wakefield Trinity, running from the start of the 2026 season through to the end of 2028. The move marks a significant coup for the English outfit, who view the experienced rake as a key piece of their long-term rebuild.
“Securing Tyson’s signature is a huge coup for Wakefield Trinity,” said recruitment manager Ste Mills in a club statement. “His big-game experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous addition to our squad. We believe bringing in someone of Tyson’s calibre will help take the club to another level.”
Smoothy expressed his enthusiasm for the move, highlighting the positive reports he had received about Wakefield and its passionate fanbase.
“My young family and I are really excited to begin a new chapter with Wakefield Trinity next season — we’ve heard great things about the club and the fans in the English Super League,” Smoothy said. “I’ve loved my time with the Broncos here in Australia, and we still have a big year ahead. But we’re looking forward to heading over at the end of the year, and we’ll be watching closely from afar.”
Despite his impending departure, Smoothy is expected to remain a valuable squad member for the Broncos in 2025 as they seek to build on their recent NRL finals appearances.
Born in Toowoomba, Smoothy has played 35 NRL games to date and was part of Queensland’s victorious under-16 State of Origin side in 2015. That team featured future stars such as Thomas Flegler and Braydon Trindall, overcoming a New South Wales side boasting the likes of Payne Haas, Zac Lomax, Josh Curran, and Campbell Graham.
As Smoothy prepares to take his career abroad, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and professionalism at the Broncos while looking to play a pivotal role in Wakefield Trinity’s resurgence in the Super League.
