Smith A Warrior Till 2004

Wigan prop Craig Smith has extended his contract at the JJB Stadium until the end of 2004. The New Zealand international was brought to the club to replace Neil Cowie and played a key role for the Warriors last season.

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay said that he was "delighted" that an agreement had been reached with the former NRL player.

"When we first signed Craig we had an agreement that if everything went well and he wanted to stay we would welcome him for the 2004 season," he said.

"I love it at Wigan. I think the club are going places with the young brigade and I want to be here to see how things progress," added Smith.

"It is a very professional organisation and it is getting stronger. I want to add a Super League ring to my Challenge Cup Winners medal and I don't think you can write Wigan off either this or next year."

Coach Mike Gregory said that Smith was "very important" to the club and tipped him to win this year's Man of Steel award.