The Sydney Roosters have sparked speculation that Sandon Smith may have already played his final game for the club, after coach Trent Robinson overlooked him in favour of veteran halfback Chad Townsend.
With Hugo Savala sidelined for at least two weeks after sustaining a hand injury in the Tricolours’ narrow victory over the Dragons last week, many expected Sandon Smith to receive a swift recall following his recent demotion to the NSW Cup.
Instead, Robinson has named Chad Townsend to partner with Sam Walker in the halves for the Roosters’ upcoming clash with Cronulla, marking the veteran’s first appearance in first grade since Round 5.
While the 22-year-old playmaker remains contracted to the Roosters until the end of the 2026 season, the club’s decision not to recall Smith has raised questions about his future within the squad.
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Smith stepped up during Walker’s extended absence due to an ACL injury, playing every game this season in the No. 6 jersey and guiding the Roosters into a strong position likely to see them playing finals footy.
However, the young halves player was dropped following Walker’s return to the NRL last weekend, as Robinson chose to field the Walker-Savala halves combination for the club.
Roosters great Bryan Fletcher believes Sandon Smith was overlooked due to Chad Townsend’s superior kicking game, explaining on SEN Radio that a Walker-Smith halves combination could struggle with the long kicking aspect of the game.
“I thought they might have gone with Sandon Smith, but I reckon it's got to do with the kicking game," Fletcher said.
“The Roosters last year, they couldn't get out of their own half when they were in trouble. Sam Walker, Sandon Smith and Luke Keary (last year), none of them are long kickers.
“Hugo was the saviour. They could turn an average set into a pretty good set with his long bombs. So I think that's why the Chad gets his recall.”