Rising Roosters playmaker set to leave Bondi amid Daly Cherry-Evans' looming arrival
Daly Cherry-Evans' reportedly impending move to the Roosters could be set to have its first tangible impact at the Bondi club.
The Manly halfback's switch has been commonly accepted as the worst kept secret in rugby league and with that comes an expectation at least one player will be forced to leave.
It appears Sandon Smith will be that man despite him being contracted until the end of 2026.
READ MORE: Lloyd 'not surprised' at report Blues approached rival coach
READ MORE: 'I was close': Doueihi explains why he knocked back Red V
READ MORE: 'Strong mail' puts Hinkley in frame for surprise new role
Hugo Savala is the other player likely to fall out of the halves for the Roosters and go back to NSW Cup with a combination of Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker expected in the halves next year.
Sandon Smith celebrates with his Roosters teammates. Getty
Nine's Michael Chammas revealed on 100% Footy that the Roosters have given Smith permission to look elsewhere.
"He's been in conversations with the Raiders, the Raiders are looking at some depth ... I don't know if it will play out that way, whether or not he wants to go somewhere and start," Chammas said.
"Option are limited."
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The Raiders will bid farewell to halfback Jamal Fogarty at the end of the season and have Ethan Sanders on their books while Ethan Strange has been a star at five-eighth.
Josh Papalii was also expected to leave the Raiders for the Super League next year but his strong form means he could stay.
Josh Papalii of the Raiders walks onto the ground with his son for his 318th game. Getty
Chammas reported that Papalii could remain in the capital with Trey Mooney likely to leave for the Knights.
"My understanding is he's informed his club in England that he's not doing to head overseas," he said of Papalii.
Paul Gallen revealed he spoke to Papalii over the weekend about his situation.
"I said to him 'you're not really going overseas are you?'," he said.
"He didn't tell me anything but he played Origin six weeks ago, he's on fire at the moment ... I'd be shocked if he left."
Most viewed in NRL
NRL finals as it happened: Knights claim ‘famous victory’ as crazy rise continues
Tips: Warriors on notice as Dolphins given blueprint to win blockbuster
Mole’s season review: ‘Spectacular failure’ led Eels to Luai gamble that might backfire
Questionable sin-binning in spotlight as Roosters feast on hamstrung Dogs
