Titans make big contract call on utility

Gold Coast Titans utility Will Smith has been granted an immediate release from the club on compassionate grounds.

A club statement confirmed Smith would return to New South Wales.

"Smith will return to New South Wales on compassionate grounds."

Smith, who began his career at the Penrith Panthers in 2014, moved to the Parramatta Eels ahead of the 2017 season, and then signed a two-year deal with the Titans ahead of 2022.

After 17 games in 2021 with the Eels, the utility, who can play fullback, in the halves, at hooker, or other positions in a pinch, has already made nine appearances with the Titans this year.

A majority of those have been off the bench, however, he has also started three games at five-eighth, the first of those during Round 1 when AJ Brimson was out injured, and the latter two during losses to the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters in Round 8 and 9 when Jayden Campbell was out injured, moving Brimson to fullback.

He was dropped after those losses ahead of magic round though with Campbell making his return and Brimson shuffling back to the halves.

In his nine appearances this year, Smith had bee solid for the Titans, running on five try assists, seven tackle breaks and making 171 tackles.

He has, in recent weeks, been replaced on the bench by Tanah Boyd in the utility role however.

It's unclear if Smith has a new club, or whether his release on compassionate grounds is so that he can take a break from the game.

Coming home for Carlo?

"Did the warriors get ripped on more than a few calls?, yes they did but they only have themselves to blame for the loss. They totally dominated the first have but only managed to score 6 points, they should have scored at least 18. The warriors…"

"It's the off season and his manager is amping it up no doubt as he knows from past contracts that we will buckle! And that there is little else on market unless you look at Reggie's / Massey etc. "

Replies

adnan June 3, 2022 at 1:39pm

would take him back. served us well
- BEM > adnan June 3, 2022 at 1:48pm
  
  Not many people would agree with you Adnan.
  
  Personally I thought he was a handy utility.
- LegendTHECROWEELS > adnan June 3, 2022 at 5:34pm
  
  100% Adnan. Would take him back
The Captain June 3, 2022 at 1:55pm

Given our utility stocks and how easily it was exposed as a weakness when we had so many backs out injured I'd take him back in a heartbeat on a year to year contract given he wouldn't be after much money.
Calvin June 3, 2022 at 2:10pm

BA wont do it..... he has his son JA as the future immortal utility for our club
Blue Eel June 3, 2022 at 2:15pm

Wish him all the best. Obviously didn't work out for him.

The Eels that have found themselves playing at the titans for money havnt exactly gone onto great things.
Timmy June 3, 2022 at 2:17pm

Sign him up, not many players have the utility value of Will Smith.

If we play Rein or JA in a final god help us.

Will on the other hand can do a job.
Offside June 3, 2022 at 2:17pm

Carlo is now waiting at the border to collect Will and bring him home
- MeelK > Offside June 3, 2022 at 2:41pm
  - CarloEEL2 > MeelK June 3, 2022 at 5:38pm
    
    That is bloody gold ❤️❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥳🥳🥳