The South Sydney Rabbitohs have confirmed that hooker Brandon Smith has signed with the club for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, marking a significant transfer within the National Rugby League (NRL).
This decision comes after Smith's tenure at the Sydney Roosters, where he faced considerable challenges. Coach Wayne Bennett had expressed interest in signing him as far back as 2021 when he was coaching the Dolphins, long before Smith made his move to the Roosters.
Brandon Smith, now 28, is still in rehabilitation for a torn ACL, and is not expected to return to the field until around mid-2025. While his current contract with the Roosters is set to expire after this season, reports indicate that the Rabbitohs may explore an early release for him. This would, however, depend on negotiations favorable to both clubs.
Smith's impending move has stirred discussions on both sides of the rivalry. He has signed a lucrative deal reportedly worth $1.2 million, projecting his annual earnings to be around $650,000 per season with the Rabbitohs.
Bennett remains optimistic about the acquisition, assuring reporters that the transition will not be risky for the Rabbitohs. In response to doubts surrounding Smith's previous off-field issues that affected him while at the Roosters, Bennett noted, “If those were issues for me, I wouldn’t have asked the club to sign him.” He highlighted his confidence in Smith’s capability to contribute positively to the team.
Smith's familiarity with Bennett—from their shared time in the New Zealand national team—may be a linchpin in this partnership. Bennett aims to utilize Smith's versatility on the field; he emphasized that Smith would not be restricted to any single position: “He can play hooker. He can play 13. He can play on an edge,” Bennett opined. “So it will strengthen our forward pack.”
Despite the excitement surrounding his future at the Rabbitohs, Smith's career at the Roosters has been marred by injury and lack of form, leading to speculation about his performance levels once negotiations finalize. He joined the Roosters in 2023, encouraged by a high-profile contract, however, setbacks have left his potential largely untapped.
Mark Ellison, Head of Recruitment and Retention at the Rabbitohs, lauded Smith's achievements, stating, “Brandon has a wonderful record of success in the NRL and at international level, having a 70% success rate across his career.” This endorsement further solidifies the Rabbitohs' rationale for pursuing Smith, recognizing his capability to enhance the team dynamics.
As the Rabbitohs gear up for the future, they aim to navigate through the complexities of trade negotiations. Discussions between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters about an early release for Smith will depend on the respective salary cap situations, a challenging task considering both teams are currently fixed in player commitments.
The timing of Smith’s announcement coincides with increased pressure within the Rabbitohs roster as they seek improvement and consistency. Specifically, with the recent departure of veteran dummy-half Damien Cook, Smith is seen as a pivotal figure in filling this gap in their lineup going forward.
Although the deal has officially been inked for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, speculation remains on whether Smith might play for the Rabbitohs sooner than expected. Reports suggest that the Roosters are open to negotiating a mid-season exit, potentially allowing him to contribute to a crucial portion of the current season.
As both fandoms await updates, Smith's move illustrates the dynamic nature of professional sports where strategy, player health, and negotiation intertwine. His long-standing relationship with Bennett and history of overcoming challenges presents a narrative that could elevate not just his career, but the trajectory of the Rabbitohs as a collective unit.
With this latest signing, Smith joins a list of distinguished players as a Rabbitoh, a club deeply anchored in the traditions of rugby league in Australia. The coming years will reveal whether his talent and energy can reignite the Rabbitohs' ambitions and lead them back to glory.
