WOLVES head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says the commitments made by Simon Grix and Matty Blythe are a great compliment to the club.

The talented young pair both signed one-year contract extensions this week, keeping them at Warrington until November 2010.

And while Smith says the new deals are reward for the players’ hard work, he also insists their decisions to continue their development at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is a credit to Wolves.

He said: “They’ve both been working hard to get a renewal and I’m delighted.

“In Matty’s case it’s a local boy who’s been working hard to play for his home-town club and it’s great.

“He’s had a lot of experience lately, he’s getting experience in first grade and I’ve been pleased with his performances at that level.

“There’s been a bit of interest from a few other clubs for Simon so for him to choose to stay probably tells you something about us as well.

“You don’t get a better compliment than when a player re-signs for a club.

“These young players have a bright future ahead here and I look forward to helping them create that.”

Smith was particularly rich in his praise for Grix, who has shaken off a shoulder injury sustained in last year’s play-off defeat to Catalans to become a regular starter.

The 23-year-old Yorkshireman has already made 10 appearances so far this term, just six short of his total throughout the whole of 2008.

His good recent form continued when he scored two crucial tries in Saturday’s 18-16 win at Hull FC while playing at centre and Smith believes Grix will play a key role in his future plans.

He said: “Simon has been doing a good job for us, probably not in his accustomed position. He probably likes to play a little bit closer to the middle but he’s doing a good job for us.

“He’s got desire to play more centrally and he’ll get there, I’ve got no doubt.

“He’s also got the versatility to be able to cover positions and I think that’s a big part of Simon as well.

“I don’t care what position I put him, he plays solid wherever he plays.

“He’s a hard worker and he’s able to come up with crucial tries at crucial times, he’s done that in recent times for us.”