Sandon Smith is set to reclaim the No. 6 jersey for the Sydney Roosters, prompted by coach Trent Robinson’s decision following a disappointing performance by Chad Townsend against Cronulla. The 22-year-old playmaker’s return comes after Townsend was dropped to reserve grade due to his lacklustre display. Smith’s chance emerges as Hugo Savala recovers from a wrist injury and remains unavailable this week.
In a press conference ahead of the critical match against Melbourne, Robinson expressed confidence in Smith’s abilities, emphasising the importance of his improvement and readiness. He acknowledged that last week’s game didn’t go as planned but reassured that Smith had a productive week of training. Robinson expects Smith to be proactive on the field, encouraging him to attack the game and seize opportunities.
Smith’s position at the Roosters has faced scrutiny in light of potential signings, particularly with Daly Cherry-Evans reportedly joining for the 2026 season. While Smith is contracted for next year, he could find himself benched or in the NSW Cup if the anticipated changes unfold.
Recent defeats against Shark Park and Wests Tigers have put the Roosters in a precarious position, complicating their quest for a top-eight finish. Despite the challenges, Robinson downplayed any sense of desperation within the club, stating they need to focus on performing better after last week’s misstep.
Robinson also reported that star forward Victor Radley might face a month-long absence due to a shoulder injury, while Siua Wong is set to return from a knee issue and will wear the No. 13 jersey against the Storm. The Roosters aim to regroup and elevate their performance in the weeks ahead, starting with their upcoming match.