WARRINGTON coach Tony Smith is confident he can help full-back Richard Mathers rebuild his career at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The 25-year-old, who played his best football under Smith for Leeds, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Wolves as part of the deal that saw Martin Gleeson move to Wigan.
Mathers was released just two months into the season after failing to regain his place in the Wigan side following suspension.
“I’m really looking forward to renewing my association with Richard as I found him a real pleasure to coach and I look forward to helping him return to some of the form he has shown in the past,” said Smith. “I think he can be a really valuable asset to the club, not only on the field but off the field in areas such as his training methods.
“He is a whole-hearted trainer and sets an example to those around him which will be great for the young players within the club.”
Mathers began his third spell with Warrington, the club he initially joined at the age of 13 and where he returned for a brief loan spell in 2002 before becoming a first-team regular with the Rhinos.
Mathers joined Gold Coast Titans in Australia in 2007 after recovering from major knee surgery but made only five appearances before returning to Super League with Wigan.
Meanwhile the wheel turned full circle for Wigan-born England centre Gleeson when he joined his home-town club from Warrington.
The Wolves are to receive a transfer fee in the region of £100,000 for the former St Helens favourite, who turns 29 next month, with former Leeds full-back Mathers going the other way. Gleeson, who was under contract until the end of 2010, now plans to finish his career with the Warriors after signing a three-and-a-half-year deal which takes him to the end of the 2012 season.
“It would be a dream to finish my career here and win something before it’s over,” said Gleeson, who emigrated with his family to Australia at the age of 10.
“This is like coming home. All my family are really buzzing. It’s a bit surreal and I can’t quite believe it yet. Growing up in Wigan, I used to go to Central Park. I didn’t get the opportunity to sign for them when I came back from Australia but my opportunity is here now. I’ve got to pinch myself.”
Gleeson is set to make his debut in Wigan’s derby match with St Helens at the JJB Stadium on Thursday.
