It adds to the intrigue around what the future holds for the superstar fullback.
The Newcastle Knights are believed to be the favourites to snare Roosters discard Sandon Smith, and reportedly view him as their next hooker.
But could the Knights want him to play in the halves so Fletcher Sharpe can move into his preferred role of fullback? And what does that mean for Kalyn Ponga?
Phil Rothfield revealed on Triple M radio this week that Smith was set to meet with Newcastle officials on Wednesday to potentially finalise a contract, after being told he was free to leave the Roosters early. Smith was sensational for the Roosters at the start of the year, but has been forced to play reserve-grade after Sam Walker made his return from injury.
When you add in Daly Cherry-Evans’ expected arrival in Bondi in 2026, Smith has become surplus to requirements with the likes of Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell also waiting in the wings. Veteran journalist Rothfield reported on Tuesday: “My mail is Sandon Smith is driving up to Newcastle on Wednesday to look at their high performance centre and all their facilities, with the view of joining Newcastle on a two or three-year deal. I think he’d be a really good signing to compliment (Dylan) Brown.”
Rothfield said the Knights view Smith as a ‘utility’ player who can play No.9 or in the halves. Barry Toohey of the Newcastle Herald previously stated that Smith will play hooker if he joins the Knights.
What would Sandon Smith signing mean for Kalyn Ponga?
Newcastle also have Dylan Brown joining in 2026 to play halfback, and it’s expected he’ll partner Sharpe in the halves. Sharpe was a revelation this year playing five-eighth, before his season was cut short by a ruptured spleen and lacerated kidney.
The 21-year-old switched to No.6 this year to get regular playing time in first-grade, but his best position is fullback. With doubts surrounding Ponga’s future at Newcastle, the signing of Smith could see him play No.7, which would allow Brown to play five-eighth and Sharpe fullback.
Ponga recently dismissed reports he’d disgruntled at the Knights, and believes his chances of winning a premiership are being wasted. He’s been linked to the All Blacks, the breakaway R360 league, as well as the Roosters and Perth Bears if he stays in the NRL.
The State of Origin star is under contract until the end of 2027, but it’s believed the Knights wouldn’t stand in his way if he asked for a release. Ponga was born in Western Australia, which opens up the possibility of joining the Bears on big money. But he’s also continually been linked to the Roosters, where he would seemingly have a better chance to win a title.
Knights can’t afford to lose more talented youngsters
The Knights also have young gun Connor Votano, who made his NRL debut at fullback last week in the Knights’ loss to the Cowboys. The 19-year-old is highly rated at the Knights, but would be forced to bide his time in reserve-grade if Ponga was to stay.
Crucially, Votano’s brother Cooper recently signed with the Melbourne Storm, and Knights officials will be desperate to ensure they don’t lose both. What that means for Ponga remains to be seen. Adding to the intrigue is the fact Newcastle are also keen on Jonah Pezet from the Storm to play in the halves.
Smith’s move to the Knights isn’t a done deal, with his manager telling Wide World of Sports he’s received inquiries from the Raiders, Cowboys, Dragons and Rabbitohs as well. “We can’t talk at this stage but it seems likely he will move on (from the Roosters),” manager Gavin Orr said. “He has been man of the match in NSW Cup the past two weeks, but the first grade is also playing well so he can’t get a crack.”
