Rugby League: Wigan fix fee for Smith

Wigan will today unveil their replacement for Shaun Edwards, after agreeing a pounds 150,000 fee with Castleford for the Great Britain tour scrum- half, Tony Smith.

Smith, aged 26 and twice capped in Tests as a substitute, has been a Wigan target since asking for a transfer before the start of the season. Their coach, Eric Hughes, sees him as the ideal man to take the place of Edwards. The 30-year-old former Great Britain half-back is expected to join London Broncos, who have called a news conference at the The Stoop this morning.

Although Wigan are thought to have demanded pounds 150,000 for Edwards and London maintain they would only take the player on a free transfer, it is thought both clubs have reached a compromise.

Wigan, who have also been linked with the Widnes prop, Lee Hansen, might make a second signing announcement today as Hughes puts the money from the sale of Central Park to work, rebuilding his side.

Smith could come into contention for tomorrow's Super League fixture against St Helens, although the Easter Monday fixture at Warrington might be a more likely starting point for his Wigan career.

Saints will be able to field their second-rower, Chris Morley. He was found guilty yesterday of a high tackle in the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Salford, but escaped without a ban.