TONY Smith is normally a cool customer, but he admitted his farewell to Wolves was “highly emotional.”

In what was his 302nd and final game in charge, The Wire gave him a fitting send-off with a 46-24 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers.

After the game, Smith was given a rousing reception by the Wolves faithful at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and was visibly emotional when acknowledging the crowds.

“Being out on the pitch was highly emotional. It was very tough,” the Australian said.

“It’s not that I don’t want to leave, it’s just the memories of all the good people I’ve met here, the people I’ve worked with and for.

“The time’s right, so there’s no regret or wish I could be here longer.

“It’s time to leave but it’s hard saying goodbye to people you love and a club you love, even if you know it’s the right thing to do.”

Andre Savelio, twice, Peta Hiku and Brad Dwyer both marked their final appearances for Wolves with tries, with Ben Pomeroy also crossing twice.

Stefan Ratchford, Ben Currie and Harvey Livett also scored as the hosts recovered after trailing by 14 points in the first half.

Kurt Gidley, on the final appearance of his career, kicked a goal while Ashton Sims, another player known to be leaving, was given the chance of a conversion late on but he missed from the touchline.

Smith believed the impact of his side’s substitutes changed the game in his side’s favour.

“We did okay today, we had too much in the end. I thought they out-enthused us in the first half and they were terrific in doing so,” Smith said.

“They were better than us in the first half but we went out there in the second half and changed the whole game.

“I’m going to mention the young bench we had, they came on and did a great job for us.

“It was pleasing to get the scoreline we did and we ended up playing some decent rugby league.

“The first 60 minutes was tough to watch but we got a bit of pizzazz in the end.”