LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Sandon Smith's exit from the Sydney Roosters had been anticipated throughout the year.
While the announcement of Daly Cherry-Evans joining the team was made just last week, it had been one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league this season.
This transition was emotionally challenging for Smith, who had hoped for a long career with the club he joined as a teenager.
"It was hard to leave for sure," Smith told The Daily Telegraph.
"I have been at the Roosters since I was 15 and developed a lot of good relationships. I was pretty keen to develop my game and my relationship with Sam Walker; we are great mates, and I was pretty keen to see what we could do as halves, but I want to keep challenging myself."
Despite his aspirations, some questioned whether the 22-year-old could secure a starting halfback position at any club.