Sydney Roosters young playmaker Sandon Smith is set to decide his NRL future within the next 24 hours, with multi-million-dollar offers on the table from the Newcastle Knights and North Queensland Cowboys.
Once widely regarded as the natural successor to veteran Luke Keary following his 2024 departure, Smith began the season in the Sydney Roosters’ halves, earmarked as a long-term partner for Sam Walker.
However, the 22-year-old has since slipped down the club’s pecking order, with Hugo Salva moving ahead as Walker’s starting halves partner, fueling widespread speculation over a potential exit.
Both the Cowboys and Knights have openly expressed strong interest in securing Smith, while the Canberra Raiders, who were previously linked to the playmaker, have withdrawn from the race.
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The Cowboys have tabled a three-year, $1.3 million deal, offering Smith the chance to line up alongside Tom Dearden in the halves and continue developing his game.
Meanwhile, the Knights have responded by extending their offer from a two-year to a three-year contract, though a move to Newcastle would likely see Smith play out of his preferred position in the dummy-half role.
"We're very close to a decision from Sandon Smith. I think it'll come in the next 24 hours," Brent Read stated on Triple M's NRL Daily on Tuesday.
"I think the Cowboys at the moment have their nose in front of Newcastle. It's basically a straight shoot-out now between those two clubs.
"I think the opportunity to potentially play in the halves in North Queensland is weighing in their favour."