TONY Smith will be keeping a keen on eye on Michael Monaghan’s coaching career.

Wolves’ retiring joint-skipper is to join the coaching staff at Catalan Dragons, and Smith expects him to be successful.

“I’m looking forward to watching his future as a coach,” said Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.

“He’s certainly had a lot of input at Warrington for a number of years now. His experience, I’m sure, will be beneficial to whoever he coaches, whenever he coaches.”

With Wolves’ coaching structure already in place for next season, the opportunity did not arise for Monaghan to stay with the club following his playing retirement.

However, Smith has not ruled out a return to The Halliwell Jones Stadium for the Australian in the future.

He added: “It can be difficult doing it within your own club, however, it was budgetary issues that probably restricted that from happening. Recruitment for staff had already taken place.

“These were circumstances in the way in which we’ve decided go.

“It’s certainly an option that I’m sure the club will look at and he will look at in time to come, but at this stage we wish him well in the next chapter of his career.

“We’ll follow him keenly until it’s time to play the team that he’s involved with.”