TONY Smith insists the only players he wants at Warrington Wolves are those 100 per cent committed to the club after Micky Higham’s departure yesterday, Wednesday.

The 34-year-old hooker, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has joined hometown club Leigh Centurions for £50,000.

And Smith admits Higham’s desire to leave with immediate effect came as a shock to him and his staff.

“It’s been messy for a few weeks now,” said Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.

“It’s happened quick on our part of it, but he was determined to take that deal.

“We’ve had numerous meetings over the past couple of weeks to put things in perspective once it was determined Micky didn’t want to be here and was going for a deal.

“We only want people here who are 100 per cent committed.

“I think it’s shocked a lot of the team and the coaching staff, but things come along and shock you from time to time.

“I’m not going to comment on their dealings. That’s for them to work out whether it’s a good business venture, but obviously they see it that way.”

Wolves have cut short Brad Dwyer’s season-long loan deal at London Broncos to bring him back to the club on a permanent basis.

Smith says owner Simon Moran and London's David Hughes reached an "amicable" conclusion over Dwyer.

“We’ve negotiated and paid London compensation in order to go back on our original arrangement," he explained.

“All was done above board and that is absolutely, 100 per cent, the only way we do things and the way Simon has done things for years."

Smith says Wolves had no choice but to look within their own ranks.

Warrington Guardian:

Brad Dwyer played his part in Wolves' 36-20 against Salford last season

But the former Great Britain head coach is confident Dwyer, who has signed a new deal until 2017, will prove a perfect replacement.

“We’re really happy with our replacement,” he added. “He’s somebody that wants to be here and is excited about being back with us.

“It’s great to have him back. He’s got a great vibe about him and people smile around him.

“He brings a lot of energy to our club, a lot of freshness, too.

“We’ve kept in contact, Brad and I, and watched his progress. We’re really happy with the way he’s been progressing.

“He’s come back a better player. You can see the game time has been really beneficial for him, as opposed to being here on dual-registration.”

Meanwhile, Matty Russell is set to be sidelined for a further month after undergoing an ankle operation.

“He was coming along ok, but he’s had to have his ankle operated on,” said Smith.

Warrington Guardian:

Micky Higham scores for Wolves against St Helens earlier this season