In this day and age, rugby league is a cut-throat business and players come and go at will. For young players, that lack of balance can be troublesome but it can also bring about renewed optimism and fresh opportunity.
For Penrith Panthers youngster Chris Smith, he will have a chance to do that, with the club releasing him effective immediately to join the Sydney Roosters on a 2-year deal.
A local Penrith junior, Smith came through the club ranks from the junior competitions and the Holden Cup, before playing mostly NSW Cup since his step up.
He played the one game in first-grade to date, making his NRL debut in the final round of the 2015 season.
With a huge nursery and talent pool at their disposal, the Panthers cannot retain every young player, and so they wished Smith all the best for the future.
“Chris is a wonderful young man and a footballer with tremendous potential,” Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM said.
“He has been with our club since his junior rep football days and has made tremendous contributions with every team he has played.
“We are very sorry to lose him but we respect the fact a move to the Roosters gives Chris a great opportunity to advance his career.
“We wish Chris all the best for the future and will follow his development with great interest.”