Up-and-coming Roosters playmaker Sandon Smith has avoided jail time over a nightmarish traffic accident that led to a man losing two toes.
The 22-year-old left court on a two-year conditional release order on Friday after pleading guilty to negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
In September, with his view obstructed by other vehicles and a tree, Smith was inching out of his Vaucluse driveway heading to training at Allianz Stadium when another vehicle hit his Audi A5, sending it into a third car which pinned the man’s foot as he was helping his child out of the car.
After collecting himself following the impact the Tricolours rising star, assisted by witnesses to the crash, helped to free the man but the incident caused the victim to lose two toes and most of the feeling in his right foot.
Police prosecutor Adrian Walsh admitted a “series of unfortunate events” conspired to cause the incident.
“However, those events will now have a long-lasting and significant adverse impact on the victim’s life,” Sergeant Walsh told the court.
“He spent eight weeks in hospital with many broken and fractured bones.”
Smith will be free to play in Round 1 as the Roosters return to NRL action against Brisbane at Allianz Stadium, likely partnering new recruit Chad Townsend in the halves with long-time five-eighth Luke Keary departing the club at the end of 2024, and an ACL injury keeping million-dollar man Sam Walker out of the line-up until midseason.
with AAP
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Brandon Smith has denied rumours he has already agreed a contract with the Parramatta Eels for 2026 and beyond after online speculation swirled that…
As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2025, the Roosters begin a new era…
Sydney Roosters star Dominic Young has clarified his position on a code switch to rugby union. The English winger was reported to be considering…
Wests Tigers recruit Terrell May claims he still doesn't know why he was cut by the Sydney Roosters, admitting he is "dirty" on the…
The Sydney Roosters have got their man, luring NSW State of Origin hooker Reece Robson out of North Queensland on a four-year deal from…
