Tony Smith believes Warrington will benefit from Matty Blythe’s season-long loan spell at Bradford this year.

The imposing centre has been recruited by the Bulls as he goes in search of regular first-team rugby.

Blythe, 24, made a promising debut in last weekend’s friendly win at Dewsbury and Smith reckons the move will reap dividends for all parties – especially his own club.

The Wolves coach said: “We’re actually strengthening one of our competitors but Matty will come back to us a better and stronger player, so that’s good for Warrington.

“Matty is a terrific young man who handles adversity exceptionally well in terms of not making teams and squads.

“He deserves to play more Super League than we could probably offer him. He’s ready for it and he needs it.

“It’s difficult for him to get into our team at the moment but I’m sure when he comes back from Bradford he will be able to do that.”

Smith has also backed Ben Evans to return stronger after a recent hip operation left the on-loan Warrington forward sidelined for four months.

He said: “Ben is a fighter and has grit and determination in bundles, so he will come back strongly from this.”