SYDNEY Roosters coach Brian Smith has been sacked with one year to go on his deal.

Smith, who has been head coach at the Roosters for the last three seasons, was tapped on the shoulder by club power brokers at the conclusion of round 26.



It is understood Smith was given the option of moving into a coaching director’s role for the final year of his contract but chose to end his contract now.

The Roosters will host the club’s annual awards night tonight but Smith will not be in attendance.



Former Parramatta and Warriors coach Daniel Anderson, Roosters Toyota Cup coach Jason Taylor, former Eels caretaker Brad Arthur and Roosters assistant coach Matt Elliott are all believed to have registered interest in the job.

The Roosters came 13th this season after being grand finalists in 2010.

A statement from the Roosters released at 12.29pm today read:

"Following a meeting today between Sydney Roosters Chairman Nick Politis, Chief Executive Steve Noyce and Head Coach Brian Smith, the Roosters have agreed by mutual consent that Smith will not be coaching the club in 2013, " the statement read.



"Chairman Nick Politis was extremely grateful for the professional manner Smith handled discussions and acknowledged the contribution he has made to the Roosters over the past three seasons, including the club’s 2010 grand final appearance.



"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,” said Mr Politis.



"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.



Roosters chief executive, Steve Noyce, said: “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."



"The board will make a decision on the future coaching appointment in the foreseeable future. Until that time, there will be no further comment."