The recruitment push from rebel rugby competition R360 has intensified in recent weeks as the breakaway league continues its aggressive pursuit of NRL talent.
After seemingly moving closer to securing departing NRL stars Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen, the cashed-up competition is now widening its search for marquee signings.
The latest name to emerge on R360’s radar is Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith, who, according to a report from Wide World of Sports, is next on R360's hit list of NRL talent.
Reports indicate the classy outside back is being eyed as a potential addition to the league’s first wave of recruits as officials look to ramp up their recruitment drive and prove the competition’s long-term viability.
MORE: Broncos star Payne Haas' R360 decision reportedly already made
Smith has endured a difficult career riddled with knee injuries but has fought his way back to become one of the Roosters’ most dependable and dynamic backline performers.
The 26-year-old is contracted at Bondi until the end of 2027, but R360’s recent moves have shown that long-term deals are no obstacle when the league begins dangling big-money offers.
Zac Lomax’s sudden exit from Parramatta despite being mid-contract has already demonstrated R360’s ability to unsettle clubs and spark significant player movement.
Smith’s potential departure would be another major blow for the Roosters, who have remarkably lost more top-flight talent to rugby union in recent years than any other club.
The Roosters have already farewelled Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to rugby union in consecutive seasons prior to 2025, and will lose Mark Nawaqanitawase next season as he returns to rugby union in a bid to play for the Wallabies at the next World Cup.
The club is also managing speculation around Angus Crichton, who has been linked to a switch back to the 15-a-side game, leaving Trent Robinson navigating one of the most dramatic backline turnovers in recent memory.
At this stage no official approach has been made to Smith, but reports suggest R360 is preparing to step up its pursuit as it attempts to assemble a competitive inaugural roster.
The timing of the interest comes as doubts continue to swirl around R360’s long-term financial stability, with Payne Haas reportedly expressing concerns about the league’s viability while weighing up his own future.
Those concerns, combined with the NRL’s threat of a 10-year ban for any player who defects, may ultimately shape how far R360 is willing to push in its chase for Smith and other high-profile targets.
At still just 26 years of age, Smith has a long career ahead of him, but after nearly a decade of serious injury issues stifling his NRL progression and his earning potential, the young centre knows full well how short an athlete’s career can be.
For now, Smith remains committed to the Roosters, but with R360’s recruitment drive far from over, this is a situation that may escalate rapidly in the weeks ahead and cause yet another cross-code headache for the Tri-Colours.