LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sandon Smith, the Sydney Roosters' five-eighth, is reportedly in discussions about joining the North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the season.
According to zerotackle.com, Smith has taken the number six jersey this year and has delivered a series of impressive performances, notably against the Cronulla Sharks.
Alongside halfback Hugo Savala-who has stepped in for the sidelined Sam Walker after Chad Townsend was demoted to reserve grade-the Roosters are currently contending for finals and are performing better than anticipated.
However, the Roosters are on the verge of signing Daly Cherry-Evans for 2026 and beyond.
This move could significantly stretch the salary cap and potentially block first-grade opportunities for both Smith and Savala.
While Savala has versatility and might secure a spot elsewhere on the field, reports from News Corp indicate that the impending acquisition of Cherry-Evans could push Smith towards leaving Bondi.