LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The rebel rugby competition R360 has continued adding to its NRL hit list, eyeing yet another rugby league gun to join their breakaway organisation.
R360 has reportedly targeted Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith as part of its ongoing strategy to attract NRL players to the rival league.
According to Wide World of Sports, Smith is the latest name on R360's recruitment radar, following news that Zac Lomax is "as good as signed." Additionally, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are expected to make the transition as well.
Sources indicate that Smith's impressive resilience and skill have made him a desirable candidate after he successfully navigated several significant knee injuries, securing his spot in the Roosters' lineup.
At 26 years old, Smith remains under contract with the Roosters until the end of 2027. However, R360 has demonstrated its readiness to invest, as evidenced by Lomax's decision to depart from a four-year, $2.8 million contract with the Roosters to join R360, despite the NRL's potential 10-year ban threat.
The loss of Smith would be yet another setback for the Roosters, who have already faced substantial challenges from rugby union poaching in recent years.
Key players such as Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i have moved to the 15-man game, and Mark Nawaqanitawase is likely to follow them soon.