CATTY SMITH

Saints star Matty set to join Tomkins at Catalans next season as he wants regularrugby

CATALANS are poised to land sought-after St Helens halfback Matty Smith for 2019.

A host of Super League clubs have shown interest in the double Grand Final winner this year as he has struggled to break into Saints’ table-topping side.

Mirror Sport understands he will remain at the club for the remainder of this season as cover for first-choice playmakers Jonny Lomax, Danny Richardson, James Roby and Theo Fages.

But the club will allow the 30-yearold to leave for next year, and talks have taken place with the Dragons over the terms of his release. Smith (left) is contracted until the end of 2019 but will be allowed to leave and pursue regular first-team rugby.

He has only played seven times for Justin Holbrook’s side this season, plus one match on dual registration at partner club, Championship Sheffield.

Smith’s signing would be another significant coup for the Dragons, who have secured Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins (above) for next year. Smith would be likely to play at halfback alongside the in-form Josh Drinkwater, who is looking to guide his side to an eighth win from nine at Warrington tonight.

Wolves player Dec Patton says his side are fully aware of the threat Drinkwater and his teammates possess.

Patton (below, celebrating a try) said: “He seems to be doing really well and that comes down to confidence. He’s taking the line on, putting people through gaps and scoring tries himself. “He’s definitely a danger and we’ll have to put a bit of pressure on him.

“Catalans are in red-hot form – they are a completely different side to the start of the season.” Patton is relishing Warrington’s capture of Aussie Blake Austin for 2019 – despite the fact he will be direct competition.

Patton still sees himself as a half-back even though he’s been playing as hooker recently and added: “I’m not one of those people who hates someone because they play in my position – I thrive learning off others.

“He’s only going to make me better because I’ll have to play better myself.”