Sydney Roosters halfback Sandon Smith is likely to face scrutiny from the NRL after being ordered to front court on a negligent driving charge.
His case is listed for mention in Sydney's Downing Centre Local court on Friday, following a charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
The matter relates to an incident from March and carries a maximum prison term of nine months or a $2200 fine.
Police will allege Smith was part of a three-car crash, when he failed to give way when exiting a driveway and collided with another vehicle in Vaucluse.
A pedestrian was injured as a result of the accident.
"About 7.30am on Wednesday 13 March 2024, emergency services were called to Old South Head Road, Vaucluse, following reports of a multi vehicle crash," police said in a statement.
"Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrived and found an Audi sedan, Toyota SUV and Mazda SUV had collided after the driver of the Audi, a 21-year-old man, allegedly failed to give way.
"NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 38-year-old man at the scene for serious foot injuries before taking him to St Vincent's Hospital.
"A 21-year-old man was issued a future court attendance notice and charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm."
Smith could also be forced to answer questions from the NRL over the timing of the matter.
He was charged on September 10, just days out from the Roosters' qualifying-final against Penrith.
However AAP has been told the NRL's integrity unit was not informed until Thursday, the eve of Smith's court hearing.
The Roosters are also aware of the matter but as of Thursday afternoon hadn't said when they were informed.
The case does not fall under the requirements for the NRL's automatic no-fault stand-down policy.
Smith looms as a crucial fixture in the Roosters' side for next year and is set to take charge of their attack following the departure of veteran playmaker Luke Keary and a long-term injury to regular halfback Sam Walker.
Already backed to start in the halves following Keary's decision to retire from the NRL, his value rose when Walker ruptured his ACL in August.
