Drug ban Smith re-signs for Town

Exclusive by Tony Harrison

Last updated 13:55, Tuesday, 22 April 2008

BRETT Smith, who was banned for two years in April 2006 after testing positive for Clenbuterol, is back in business after re-signing for Workington Town.

Brett Smith, pictured scoring against Gateshead Thunder

But, to this day, 31-year-old loose-forward Smith, who has played rugby league since the age of six and represented local clubs Glasson, Flimby, Westfield and Lowca, claims that he has no idea how the drug came to be traced in his urine sample. An attempt to clear his name failed.

His ban finished last Friday, and Smith told News & Star Sport: "The past is history and I don't want to go on about it. After signing again for Workington, all I want to do is get match fit and play the game I love again.

"It's been so difficult sitting watching the lads playing when I know I could have been out there.

"I have gone through every emotion, thinking my career is over and then hoping that there would be another chance.

"Workington Town have now given me that chance and it's now up to me to prove that I am capable of holding down a place in the first team."

Smith had come back from an elbow injury he picked up in the opening Northern Rail Cup clash against Whitehaven which Town won 28-8 back in February, 2005, to excel in the closing stages of the season, form that saw him pick up several match-of-the-match nominations.

He will now be hoping to play in several Reserve Grade games to get match fit, and added: "I've been keeping myself fit by having private sessions with personal fitness trainer John Nicholson, but you can never train for actual game time."

Town coach Dave Rotheram said: "It’s like signing a new player but I’m not going to pick Breet on his form of two years ago. He’s got earn the right to play.

“It’s good to have him back to boost the squad and I’m looking forward to him providing competition when he’s up to speed.”