Penrith Panthers forward Lindsay Smith has heaped praise on Premiership rivals the Sydney Roosters on the heels of an impressive start to the 2024 season.
Currently sitting atop the ladder, the Roosters have excelled in some early high-stakes games and have quickly proven that last season’s disappointing regular season form is behind them.
Although the backline has taken much of the credit with some flashy displays of attack close to the line, the Tricolours’ forward line has been arguably the best pack in the league.
With both the Panthers and Roosters coming off the back of impressive wins against strong opponents, all eyes will be firmly on the battle of the two packs next Thursday night.
"I thought they (Roosters’ pack) were pretty unreal in that win," Smith told SEN 1170 Mower’s Club.
“Their forward pack, they’re star-studded all over.
“Obviously you got the big names like Lindsay Collins and Jared Waerea-Hargraves, even Terrell (May) has been doing an unreal job for them, whether he’s started or off the bench.”
May, a Penrith junior, is currently one of the most in-demand free agents ahead of the 2025 season but has made his intentions of playing with his brother, Panthers centre Taylan very clear.
Taylan has since thrown a spanner in the works after announcing a contract extension with the Panthers meaning Terrell would have to take a significant pay cut to play alongside his brother.
“He’s (Terrell May) is one (player) I was lucky enough to play a little bit of (under 20s) with,” Smith added.
“He’s been unreal for them, can’t wait for the challenge next weekend.”
Although the Roosters pack has been sensational to start the year, Smith was just as vocal about his fellow Penrith forwards James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.
“They’re pretty unreal, they certainly put in a lot of work that’s for sure,” Smith continued.
“They’re probably some of the last to leave the field, it’s pretty cool to learn under.
“They’re probably, in my opinion, the two best front rowers as a pair for the last four or five years together, they’re pretty sensational.
“They don’t miss a step in preparation, they make sure they do a lot of video, they get everything done.”
The Roosters will host the three-time Premiers at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.