Sydney Roosters sack Brian Smith

Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith has been sacked following a dismal season.

Smith, who led the Roosters to a Grand Final two years ago, leaves the Bondi Junction club after a crisis meeting with Chairman Nick Politis and Chief Executive Steve Noyce.

The Roosters finished 13th on the NRL ladder this year with just eight wins to their name.

“One of Brian’s greatest strengths is developing young talent and he wholeheartedly embraced our strategic plan in relation to developing talented young players and he leaves the club in an extremely strong position in this area,” Chairman Politis said in a statement.

“A man of strong values, Brian embraced the club’s values – honesty, respect, self-control, pride in the Roosters jersey – and leaves behind a strong culture that will continue to grow moving forward,” he added.

Chief executive Noyce added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Brian for his valuable contribution to the Roosters over the past three years and wish him and his family well for the future.”

A decision on a replacement for Smith will be made in the “foreseeable future” the statement said.