TONY Smith admits it will tough to say goodbye to Warrington Wolves captain Joel Monaghan when he leaves the club at the end of the season.

Monaghan is one of six set to leave the playing staff, along with Gareth O'Brien, Simon Grix, Chris Bridge, Roy Asotasi and Richie Myler.

The 33-year-old had a year to run on his contract at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, but will not be kept on by the club next season.

It means, having joined Warrington from Canberra Raiders in 2011, Saturday’s clash with Catalans Dragons will be his last in front of the home fans in primrose and blue.

“I think he’s done a fantastic job for the club for a number of years and at some point you’ve got to say goodbye,” explained Smith, Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.

“It can be a difficult thing when you’ve got a lot of respect for one another – I certainly hope that’s the case for Joel and me.

“It’s been a real difficult one because he’s been a really good leader within the group. He’s a player with a lot of experience that speaks up and speaks his mind as well in meetings.”

Warrington Guardian:

Former Australia international Monaghan has crossed 13 times for Wolves this year, making him the club’s third top scorer in 2015, but is some way short of 2014's total of 31.

“It’s been a frustrating season I think for Joel, in terms of his consistent performances,” added Smith.

“He probably hasn’t got to the level he would desire and has probably suffered at different stages because of the team not being at its best.

“That’s had an effect on his try-scoring ability. It’s been a tough one for Joel and for me, because I’ve got a lot of time for Joel.”

But Smith says the Warrington skipper has handled the news well.

“It was from the club’s point of view (for him to leave), but Joel’s been nothing but professional about it,” added Smith.

“He understands that it’s not personal and sometimes these decision need to be made on performances and form.

“He understands that and he’s handling it as good as anyone I’ve come across.

“You can easily, when it comes to a professional decision like that, react in a negative way. He certainly hasn’t. It shows the character of the bloke.”

Monaghan is the second-fastest player to reach 100 tries for the club, behind Brian Bevan, with his record currently standing at 141 in 143 appearances – helping Wolves to a League Leaders' Shield in 2011 and Challenge Cup win in 2012.

"His try-scoring accomplishments have helped the club achieve great things," added Smith.

"He’s been a big character within the team and within the club, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with.

"He will remain a very popular personality who has shared in some great history-making for the club.”

Warrington Guardian: