Joey and Sandon: Unlikely hero joins icon in Newcastle folklore
Andrew Johns and Sandon Smith are two names most NRL fans wouldn’t think belong together, but they now sit together in the annals of Newcastle history as the only two halfbacks to represent the proud club in a grand final.
“I don’t think we’re anywhere near that, but it’s an honour,” Smith told media including nine.com.au after the dramatic 22-14 win over Penrith.
Andrew Johns and Sandon Smith. Fairxax/NRL Images
So, how did we get here?
Smith, who was always a highly-touted young player coming through the Central Coast system and into the Roosters, had flashes of brilliance at Bondi.
The 23-year-old became a casualty of the growing halves stockpile at the club however, with the likes of Sam Walker, Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell in the mix, as well as the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans for the 2026 campaign.
As a result, Smith was forced to explore his options as well and joined Newcastle, with no guarantees of a starting spot there either.
Smith was used in a variety of roles throughout the year, but once marquee man Dylan Brown went down with an ACL injury, he slotted into the No.7 jumper.
Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon against the Panthers, it was Smith who sealed the result for Newcastle, scoring two solo tries including a 90-metre intercept in the dying stages that would have blown the roof off Accor Stadium, if it had one.
His first try saw the Penrith defence turn their backs on Smith, allowing him to take a quick tap from a penalty and race away untouched to score.
“The first one obviously just trying to stay in the game, seeing an opportunity – they don’t always come off, but that one worked well,” Smith said.
“Straight after it, I just said ‘can I do a quick tap’ and he [referee Gerard Sutton] gave me permission and they couldn’t take it back from there.
“The last one [intercept try], I didn’t know if I could make it either. My little legs were hanging on for dear life, but I was happy to make it ... I’m ecstatic.
“It’s hard to put it into words. There’s so much emotion going on. I think a few tears came out. I was happy, I was tired, there was so much going on.
“I can’t really explain it. I’m just so happy for this team and this town. We’ve got one more to go and I can’t wait for this week.”
The result and the grand final berth, which makes Smith only the second Knights halfback after Johns to play on the big stage, will see him come face-to-face with the club that discarded him 12 months ago in the Roosters.
Sandon Smith left the Roosters this year. Getty
Despite being squeezed out by the Tricolours, the young playmaker said he holds no ill feeling and playing them makes little difference to his mindset.
“No, it won’t change anything for me,” Smith said.
“They were transparent with me, I’ve got no remorse for the club. I love the club and loved my time there, but I’m a Knight now and so happy to be part of this.
“I’ll stay in the moment. It’s just another team. It doesn’t change anything. If we, if we win a grand final, I don’t think it matters who it was against.”
In the absence of $13 million superstar Brown, it has been Smith and Fletcher Sharpe steering the Knights around the paddock, with fullback Kalyn Ponga weaving his magic on the edges and creating headaches for rival defenders.
Smith said having players like that around him only boosts his confidence.
“Sharpey’s a freak and him plus Kalyn just makes my job easier,” he said.
Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe. NRL Imagery
“I’ve got a clear role that I need to do that suits the team.
“It’s a pleasure to play with both of them, especially Sharpey – he’s grown as a player, he’s such a top dude off the field we get along so well.”
Smith lauded the impact of Brown, who despite being sidelined has remained a sounding board for the halves late in the season and into September.
He also heaped praise on Justin Holbrook, who worked at the Roosters as an assistant coach before landing the top job at Newcastle this year.
“Justo’s been such rock for me over the past few years,” Smith said.
“Coming to the club with him and being sort of unsure how this year was going to look for me, he constantly reassured me to keep my head down, keep enjoying myself and keep getting better, because the NRL season’s a long season.
“He said ‘your moment will come, you need to be ready when that moment comes and take it with both hands’ ... he’s been really good for me.”
Newcastle will meet the Roosters on Sunday, October 4 at Accor Stadium, with a sell-out crowd expected for the season finale.
