Rabbitohs sign Brandon Smith, Roosters open to early exit
Roosters hooker Brandon Smith has signed a two-year deal with arch-rivals South Sydney from the 2026 NRL season, but a mid-season switch remains a strong possibility.
The 28-year-old, currently sidelined after knee surgery, has been told he is free to leave the Roosters, with the club open to releasing him before the June 30 deadline.
However, the fact he is heading to the Rabbitohs — their fiercest rivals — has reportedly complicated negotiations.
Smith’s deal with South Sydney is believed to be worth around $1.2 million, and while he remains under contract with the Roosters until the end of the season, reports suggest he may have already played his last game for the club.
NRL 360’s Brent Read indicated that the Roosters are willing to contribute to his salary to facilitate an early release, but only under the right conditions.
“They have to come out of this with some money in their salary cap,” Read said.
“They’ll chip in money to make it happen.”
Smith has long been a target for Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who previously attempted to lure him to the Dolphins.
The Kiwi international addressed Bennett’s interest on The Bye Round podcast, acknowledging their history.
“I’m stoked that he’s interested in me, but to be fair, we had a pretty rough relationship,” Smith admitted.
“I gave him my word I was signing at Redcliffe, and we all know how that ended.”
With Smith not expected to return from injury until at least Round 15, South Sydney may need to negotiate with the Roosters if they want him on board for the 2025 campaign.
The Rabbitohs sit fifth on the NRL ladder heading into Round 3 and are a $34 hope to win the 2025 NRL Premiership with the top online bookmakers.