Sydney Roosters move on from Latrell Mitchell with Billy Smith in line to step up

It was a big news day in Redfern on Monday – but across the city, the Sydney Roosters were plotting their plans for an NRL premiership three-peat, with Latrell Mitchell’s replacement already in place.

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As South Sydney rolled out Latrell Mitchell as their latest recruit in Redfern, just three kilometres away at Moore Park it was business as usual for his former club the Sydney Roosters.

Coach Trent Robinson put his side through their paces on Monday as the reigning back-to-back premiers aim for a three-peat in season 2020.

The man in line to replace Mitchell at the Roosters, Billy Smith, trained with strapping on his knee but club insiders confirmed he was in good shape and on track for the season opener against Penrith at Panthers Stadium on March 14.

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Billy Smith (right) looks on while coach Trent Robinson calls the shots. Photo: Simon Bullard

Highly rated prospect Smith made his NRL debut in round 23 last year in Mitchell’s left centre spot, scoring a brilliant try in a win over St George Illawarra. He only played one other game in 2019, this time out on the wing in place of Brett Morris in round 25.

The 20-year-old is in his first full pre-season with the NRL squad after his development was hampered in 2018 when he suffered an ACL injury playing for the Wyong Roos.

No Latrell, no problems for the premiers. Photo: Simon Bullard

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While the youngster is the frontrunner to fill the void left in Robinson’s back five, it remains to be seen if Smith will be preferred at centre or on the wing.

There is a view that veteran flyer Brett Morris could move into centre with Smith playing out on the wing, effectively switching Joseph Manu from the right to the left edge to partner Daniel Tupou.

Veteran outside back Ryan Hall is also a possibility but the Englishman suffered an injury setback while playing for Great Britain in October. After suffering an ACL in 2018, Hall dislocated his knee and is expected to miss the opening rounds of season.

Originally published as Sydney Roosters move on from Latrell Mitchell with Billy Smith in line to step up