Sydney Roosters have re-signed two key players heading into next year, with centre Billy Smith and utility Connor Watson both inking fresh deals with the club.
Watson missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury and despite interest from the Bulldogs, has opted to extend his stay with the Tricolours for a further two years.
The 27-year-old has played over 120 first grade matches across stints with the Roosters and Knights, and will be looking to force his way back into the NRL lineup next year.
Smith on the other hand enjoyed a breakout campaign at Bondi after a horror injury run, playing 15 matches and cementing himself as a regular in the club's backline.
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Billy Smith and Connor Watson re-sign with Sydney Roosters
In a statement released on Friday morning, head coach Trent Robinson praised both men and believes they will be assets for the Roosters moving forward.
“Billy is an Eastern Suburbs local and he is respected by his teammates for his dedication to all aspects of his preparation and performance," he said.
"It was terrific to see Billy’s growth throughout the 2023 season and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.
“While we were all disappointed for Connor at the time of his injury, it says a lot about his character that he used the year to mentor some of the younger players in our squad and to work on areas of his own development both on and off the field.
“He is a much-loved member of our club for the player and person he is, and it’s great that he will continue to represent the Roosters for the next few years."
Smith is expected to battle it out with Joseph Suaalii and Daniel Tupou for a spot in the star-studded back-five at the Chooks next year, with English flyer Dom Young set to join the club in the off-season.
The 24-year-old expressed his gratitude towards the Roosters in the wake of his new contract extension.
“I’m so grateful to the Roosters for the loyalty they’ve shown me over the years," Smith said.
"I love the club and I look forward to continuing to repay the Roosters for the belief they have always had in me. For me personally, 2023 was my best year of footy and I’m excited to build on that in 2024."
Watson's new contract will see him remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of 2025, and is expected to push for a spot on the bench next year.
“I’m stoked to re-commit to the Roosters for another two years," he said.
"I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the coaches and players we have here, and to playing my role for the team."
Sydney Roosters NRL contract list
| 2024 | Angus Crichton, Brandon Smith (PO), Billy Smith, Daniel Tupou, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, Luke Keary, Naufahu Whyte, Nat Butcherr, Sitili Tupouniua, Siua Wong, Terrell May |
| 2025 | Egan Butcher, James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Sam Walker |
| 2026 | Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu* |
| 2027 | Dom Young*, Victor Radley |
*Young and Leniu will both join the club in 2024.