Roosters have been in contact with Brandon Smith's agent to express their interest

[Serenader]

We may have expressed interest, but at nowhere near the figures others would offered. Won’t b with us, but what a coup it would b

[milanja]

We won’t pay overs for him. Leave that to teams like the dogs or tigers. We are lucky that under Robbo players don’t come for money. We have to be in the ballpark only.

You think he wouldn’t stay at the storm for unders? If he doesn’t want to share the hooking role at the storm, I doubt he would want to come here and do the same.

[Salvatori Grubber]

Exactly. This makes zero sense.

[Mickie Lane]

Smith is that good that he would start at hooker if he came to the Chooks, it would be up to Verrills if he wanted to stay just like Pearce when Cronk came.
Its an interesting move by the Chooks but I think it is whats needed to get back up to being the top team.
When Cronk came up to the Chooks it was his choice to leave Melbourne but Im not too sure how the Storm will take this though. If Im the Storm Im thinking if the Roosters get him they are a good chance of winning the comp & they are a chance of not winning the comp so they'll do anything to stop it. He's the best & toughest hooker in the game, I dont know why coaches want to play him as a middle.

[Johnny Tobin]

Incidentally I will be staggered if he leaves Melbourne. They don’t lose anyone they want to keep. Cronk only left because of his girl.

[Teddy]

1 mil no way 700-800k perhaps this would be a more accurate assessment. Gee whizz him and Victor bash brothers, would love B.Smith to come here, **** how good? Led by JWH, Collins and Gus, Butcher, I’m a huge fan of Verrills but **** he’s no B.Smith.

[Johnny Brass]

Yes please I've been crying out for this signing, the cheese is a winner and whilst Verrills is a good dummy half he isn't in the same ballpark as this bloke in attack or defence.
Smith and Radley in the middle of the park would put some teeth back into our defence which has been lacking since we won the grand final.
Very happy to hear Nick is getting involved he doesn't usually miss when he wants a gun.

[The Skeez]

Top line player and looks a character too. Not sure where he fits into the Roosters side though.

Also, as good as Harry Grant is, he can barely stay on the park. Not like Cam Smith who was so durable.

[Rooster89]

It's official.

Rothfield reads the chookpen as a source for his scoops.

[Rooster_6]

Was very interesting to hear Cronk’s opinion on this rumour tonight, spoke about how middles like Radley & B.Smith are the future of the game and this could be a sign the Roosters are trying to pre-empt what the game will look like in a year or two from now. The big lumbering prop’s days are numbered, could also speak to the rumours that SST is on the outer although I would love to see SST drop some weight and go back to the type of forward he was in 2015/16 when he was playing at lock with a lot more mobility and footwork.

[Tommy Smith]

Was very interesting to hear Cronk’s opinion on this rumour tonight, spoke about how middles like Radley & B.Smith are the future of the game and this could be a sign the Roosters are trying to pre-empt what the game will look like in a year or two from now. The big lumbering prop’s days are numbered, could also speak to the rumours that SST is on the outer although I would love to see SST drop some weight and go back to the type of forward he was in 2015/16 when he was playing at lock with a lot more mobility and footwork.

The direction the game is heading is also a testament to the greatness of JWH.

32 years old and 250 games played but still the best prop in the game. Some would say Haas, but when you factor in defence (JWH the best defensive prop I've seen) as well as leadership and aggression, there's still no one quite like Jared.

And this when we're seeing the likes of Klemmer look like an extinct dinosaur.

A bit off topic, but just wanted to give JWH credit for staying as relevant as ever in a highly evolving game.

[roostermcgregor]

JWH , Collins, Crichton, Sitili, Rads & Cheese.
Opposition teams would be scared sh#tless of our forwards.
Bring it on.

[Bondicigar]

Smith is that good that he would start at hooker if he came to the Chooks, it would be up to Verrills if he wanted to stay just like Pearce when Cronk came.
Its an interesting move by the Chooks but I think it is whats needed to get back up to being the top team.
When Cronk came up to the Chooks it was his choice to leave Melbourne but Im not too sure how the Storm will take this though. If Im the Storm Im thinking if the Roosters get him they are a good chance of winning the comp & they are a chance of not winning the comp so they'll do anything to stop it. He's the best & toughest hooker in the game, I dont know why coaches want to play him as a middle.

Totally agree with this
Gee I hope we get him

[The Lip]

The direction the game is heading is also a testament to the greatness of JWH.

32 years old and 250 games played but still the best prop in the game. Some would say Haas, but when you factor in defence (JWH the best defensive prop I've seen) as well as leadership and aggression, there's still no one quite like Jared.

And this when we're seeing the likes of Klemmer look like an extinct dinosaur.

A bit off topic, but just wanted to give JWH credit for staying as relevant as ever in a highly evolving game.

Off topic but spot on mate - he has been simply awesome this year for us. He is the only reason we are in the 8 with a chance at the 4.

[Rooster_6]

The direction the game is heading is also a testament to the greatness of JWH.

32 years old and 250 games played but still the best prop in the game. Some would say Haas, but when you factor in defence (JWH the best defensive prop I've seen) as well as leadership and aggression, there's still no one quite like Jared.

And this when we're seeing the likes of Klemmer look like an extinct dinosaur.

A bit off topic, but just wanted to give JWH credit for staying as relevant as ever in a highly evolving game.

After being benched early this season JWH went away and lost weight because between he and Robbo they identified that the game was changing and if he wanted to keep up he needed to change his game. I remember in 2013 when Robinson first came to the club he got JWH to pack on the weight and it was difficult for JWH because by his own admission he loved his 6 pack so much. However he did it and was instrumental through the next 6 seasons.

You're right it's a testament to his ability to continually adapt to the game, I just love how it's come full circle at the end of his career.

To be one of the best middles in the game when the game was all about size and power and now still being one of the best middles in the game when it has shifted to leg speed and mobility is a tremendous feat.

I wasn't around to watch Artie play but I would say JWH's legacy will burn just as bright and long.