A devastated Brandon Smith says there isn’t a dangerous blood between him and Elliott Whitehead after the hip-drop deal with that ruptured his ACL, ending the Sydney Roosters star’s season.
Smith is because of bear post-season surgical procedure on his knee, with the hooker compelled to attend till his medial ligament has healed earlier than fixing his ACL.
The delay means he’s eyeing a spherical 10 return subsequent yr, becoming a member of halfback Sam Walker on the sideline for the beginning of the 2024 NRL season after the halfback additionally ruptured his ACL on Sunday.
The damage carnage towards Canberra has left the third-placed Roosters dealing with an uphill battle by way of the finals, with Victor Radley struggling a fractured scapula however hoping to return.
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It additionally threw Whitehead straight into the headlines, following a post-game spat with Trent Robinson after the Raiders captain approached the Roosters to apologise.
The Roosters coach accused the Englishman of being a serial hip-dropper, with the deal with on Smith the fourth time he has been charged with the offence since late 2020.
Smith mentioned he appreciated Robinson’s help, however confirmed Whitehead had reached out to him to clear the air.
“He messaged me and there was a little bit of banter,” Smith mentioned on The Bye Spherical podcast.
“It was a nothing factor. It’s rugby league and I do know he didn’t imply it. Nobody goes on the market and does it and means it. It was accident.
“I perceive either side of (Whitehead and Robinson)’s factors. That’s what I’d need from my coach. I would like him to stay up for me.”
Whitehead has since accepted a three-game ban for the deal with, prematurely ending his NRL profession forward of his return to the Tremendous League subsequent season.
Smith mentioned he had been advised he would doubtless be match to play once more subsequent Might, however there are fears that might drag into later within the yr given the delayed surgical procedure.
“It was fairly devastating,” Smith mentioned. “I had my second for about half-hour after I received the cellphone name as a result of I didn’t assume I truly had achieved my ACL. I assumed I had achieved my (medial).”
The Roosters are anticipated to take the choice of resting gamers towards South Sydney on Friday evening, however will play Connor Watson at hooker and Sandon Smith within the halves.
Sitili Tupouniua is prone to fill Radley’s void within the again row for the beginning of the finals, earlier than the 26-year-old eyes off a quick return from his shoulder blade damage.
“When you take a look at our group nonetheless on paper, it’s nonetheless a bloody good group,” Smith mentioned. “There’s sufficient expertise to get the job achieved.
“Connor Watson is a NSW hooker … Luke Keary might be going to should take up a extra outstanding position (within the halves) and speak greater than he’s ever needed to. I’m nonetheless assured in them.”
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Feagai departing Dragons
Utility again Max Feagai will depart the Dragons after Sunday’s stoush with Canberra after failing to return to phrases with the membership on a brand new contract.
Whereas his twin brother Mat has re-signed till the tip of 2026, Max shall be heading elsewhere, in accordance with a report within the Sydney Morning Herald.
With Souths hooker Damien Prepare dinner and Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes coming to the membership in 2025, the Dragons are additionally hopeful of touchdown Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
Veteran utility Jack Chook has been advised he’s free to go away early from the ultimate yr of his deal whereas Zac Lomax is heading to the Eels on a profitable deal and younger centre Savelio Tamale is off to the Raiders.
Again-up ahead Dan Russell and winger Mikaele Ravalawa have been advised they’re free to go away whereas hypothesis has once more resurfaced about captain Ben Hunt’s future with the veteran halfback in a position to negotiate with rival golf equipment on November 1.
