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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
