Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have announced that head coach Brian Smith has resigned from his post with immediate effect.

Smith helped the club survive relegation from the Super League last season after being appointed in May.

It was a difficult start to the current campaign for the club as they only secured one win in their first five games, and on Tuesday morning, Smith told Wakefield's directors that he has stepped down.

A statement from the club read: "Wakefield Trinity Wildcats can confirm that Brian Smith has resigned as head coach with immediate effect.

"A press conference will take place at 12.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday) at Belle Vue Stadium. There will be no further comment at this time."

Wakefield are third from bottom in the table after suffering a 42-28 defeat to Catalans Dragons at the weekend.