Roosters rookie Sandon Smith allegedly caused car crash in Vaucluse which badly injured a man’s foot
The Sydney Rooster charged with a serious driving offence - that carries a possible jail sentence - allegedly caused a car crash that resulted in a pedestrian’s foot being badly injured.
Sandon Smith, who did not appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday for the first mention of the case, is accused of edging an Audi he was driving out a driveway without giving way, which was hit by another car causing his car to hit the pedestrian, in Vaucluse in March.
“Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrived and found an Audi sedan, Toyota SUV and Mazda SUV had collided after the driver of the Audi, a 21-year-old man, allegedly failed to give way,” police said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The alleged victim, 38, was taken to hospital for treatment of the serious injury.
Smith, who is set to partner in the halves with Sam Walker for the Rooters next year, has been charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
The charge carries a maximum nine-month jail term, $2,200 fine, and an automatic driving disqualification period of three years.
The NRL was only informed of the matter on Thursday when news broke of the bombshell charge. The NRL’s integrity unit is aware of the charge.
On Friday no plea was entered on Smith’s behalf and the matter was adjourned until next month.
The 21-year-old is on holiday in Japan.
Smith stepped in for the Roosters during the final series after Walker suffered a season-ending injury.
Sydney was knocked out in the preliminary final by the premiership-winning Panthers.
Already backed to start in the halves following Keary’s decision to retire from the NRL this year, Smith’s value then rose when Walker ruptured his ACL in August.
He is therefore expected to start the year alongside Chad Townsend in the halves, with Walker not likely to return until months into the season.
Smith, who resides on the Central Coast, played 15 matches in his rookie season for the powerhouse Bondi-based club and is a big part of the club’s plans 2025 title tilt.
