Sydney Roosters playmaker Sandon Smith has reportedly made a decision about his NRL future, putting an end to months of speculation over his next destination.
As first reported by veteran journalist Barry Toohey, the 22-year-old has reportedly joined the Newcastle Knights on a multi-year deal.
His departure from the Tricolours, despite having one year remaining on his contract through the end of 2026, follows a season in which he fell down the pecking order, with Hugo Salva taking over as Walker’s starting halves partner.
Several clubs, including the Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, and Canberra Raiders, expressed interest in signing the young playmaker, but it appears he will remain in New South Wales.
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According to Toohey, Smith is expected to travel to the Hunter Valley to finalise a deal that is set to keep him at the club for the next four seasons.
Although the young half has primarily played as a five-eighth, he is set to wear the No. 9 jersey at Newcastle, taking on the club’s primary hooker role as Jayden Brailey heads to the Canberra Raiders next year and Phoenix Crossland shifts toward the lock position.
The move will see Smith slot into a dynamic spine alongside Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe, and fellow recruit Dylan Brown, who will be looking to bounce back next season after the club finished last in the NRL premiership.
The decision reportedly came despite a lucrative three-year, $1.3 million offer from the North Queensland Cowboys, who were keen to pair Smith with Tom Dearden in the halves.