Roosters centre Billy Smith is in doubt for Friday’s clash against arch rivals South Sydney after being involved in an e-bike incident on Thursday afternoon.
Sources not authorised to speak on the matter told this masthead Smith was e-biking in the Moore Park precinct, doubling with teammate Egan Butcher, when they were involved in an accident.
Roosters centre Billy Smith.Credit: Getty Images
While Egan has walked away relatively unscathed, a witness said Smith suffered a head injury. He was being assessed by the club doctor on Thursday afternoon.
The club is yet to determine whether Smith will be fit to line up against the Rabbitohs. It continues a luckless run for the 26-year-old, who has managed just 46 games during an injury-interrupted career.
“I’m completely fine, I’m all good,” Smith said when contacted by this masthead.
Roosters players regularly move between their training sessions at Kippax Lake Oval and club facilities inside Allianz Stadium using e-bikes and scooters. Members of Trent Robinson’s side were spotted returning to their club headquarters on foot on Thursday afternoon after completing their pre-game captain’s run.
Billy Smith on an e-bike, with Egan Butcher, in a photo posted by the Roosters earlier this week.Credit: Instagram
Under NRL rules, the Roosters’ initial 22-man squad for Friday’s local derby must be trimmed to 19 players at 8pm on Thursday, 24 hours out from kick-off.
Outside back Junior Pauga, who was dropped after last week’s loss to the Warriors for returning centre Rob Toai, looms as the most likely replacement should Smith be ruled out.
