Roosters demise not easy to swallow: Smith

Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith says no one is hurting more than him after another disastrous year for the Eastern Suburbs-based club.

After losing the 2010 grand final the Roosters will miss the NRL final series for the second successive year and remain in contention for the dreaded wooden spoon.

In acknowledging much of the blame fell at his feet the maligned Smith said the Roosters will be a far more competitive outfit in in 2013 with James Maloney and Sonny Bill Williams.

“It (this season) definitely has been disappointing,” Smith told a Roosters Members coach’s forum on Tuesday.

“No one is hurting more than I am, but sometimes the deeper the cut the more the lesson learned.

“There have been some times we have done quite well (during games) and other times we have not finished the job. Not finishing off winning performances is the difference in being in the run for the eight and not being there.”

The acquisition of Williams was a hot topic of discussion at the forum and due to the presence of media Smith said he was unwilling to confirm the signing of the dual international.

“Sometimes you know that I know that you know that I know,” Smith said in dancing around the issue.

The Roosters reluctance to trumpet the arrival of Williams upset many fans in attendance and when questioned further on the issue Smith said: “If he finishes up playing for us or anyone else in the NRL, any other club will be envious because he is a high quality rugby league player.”

However Smith did concede the arrival of Warriors five-eighth Maloney would transform the club into a serious finals contender.

“We have a couple of players coming to our club next season who will make a real difference,” Smith said.

“James Maloney is a real footballer in his own right. He is a great team player. I’m excited enough about him to say he will get the job done. But that’s not enough, we all need to work hard.

“I’m excited about the combination he and Mitchell Pearce can build together.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!