LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sydney Roosters' crafty hooker has once again grabbed headlines with his bold assessment of Ryan Papenhuyzen's worth on his podcast.
Speaking on the "Jam and Cheese" podcast alongside former English powerhouse James Graham, Smith didn't hold back in his comments regarding Papenhuyzen's contract situation.
Referring to a recent report by The Sydney Morning Herald about Papenhuyzen facing a potential pay cut, Smith argued that this move by the Melbourne Storm didn't necessarily mean they were undervaluing the talented fullback.
The Storm are reportedly offering Papenhuyzen around $750,000 for his next contract, as they try to manage their tight salary cap.
Despite earning close to $900,000 on his current deal that runs until 2025, Papenhuyzen could be tempted to make a move back to Sydney with a number of interested clubs in the mix.
While some may question the Storm's offer to Papenhuyzen, Smith stood firm in his belief that it was a fair deal, especially considering the player's injury history in recent seasons.
The stage is set for a potential showdown as Papenhuyzen weighs up his options and decides on his next move in the Rugby League world.