In a stunning mid-season shakeup, the Sydney Roosters are set to release their hooker Brandon Smith to their arch-rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, effective immediately. This high-profile transfer underscores the ongoing tensions and fierce competition within the NRL as teams scramble to bolster their rosters ahead of the crucial final stretch of the season.
According to reports from CODE Sports, negotiations between the two clubs have accelerated over the past 48 hours, with a deal expected to be finalized by the end of the week. Souths will pay a transfer fee of $180,000 to secure Smith for the remainder of the 2025 season, bringing the Kiwi international to Redfern sooner than anticipated.
Smith, who joined the Roosters from the Melbourne Storm in 2023, has struggled to live up to expectations during his time at Bondi Junction. He has played 41 matches for the Roosters but has failed to replicate the form that made him a star at the Storm. Now, with an $800,000 annual salary, the Roosters will redirect those funds to nurture their rising stars, including Naufahu Whyte and Blake Steep, who have shown impressive performances this season.
As Smith continues his recovery from an ACL injury—expected to keep him sidelined for another six weeks—the Roosters have found a solid replacement in Connor Watson, who has stepped up to the starting hooker role. Additionally, Sandon Smith is poised to return to the lineup when Sam Walker resumes his position in the halves.
Smith's departure comes on the heels of another significant roster change for the Roosters, with reports that gun winger Dominic Young has also been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Young's future at the Roosters appears uncertain, particularly after he fell out of favor and has been relegated to the NSW Cup despite a stellar season last year, where he scored 20 tries in 22 matches.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson expressed his belief that the move is beneficial for both Smith and the Rabbitohs. “It's a good move for him. Wayne [Bennett] is obviously a great coach, and he gets to stay in the area he's really enjoyed,” Robinson said. “Brandon has been really clear, and we've been really clear, so it's been a clean move.”
Wayne Bennett, the Rabbitohs' coach, has long admired Smith, previously stating in March that he was a “100 percent” player he wanted on his team. “He just gives his absolute best every time he gets on the footy field,” Bennett remarked, highlighting Smith's competitive spirit and work ethic.
With Smith's arrival, the Rabbitohs are looking to strengthen their squad amid a challenging season. The team has struggled recently, suffering a four-game losing streak, and Bennett's decision to shake up the lineup reflects the urgency to turn their fortunes around. In their upcoming clash against the Brisbane Broncos, Bennett has made significant changes, including welcoming back key players like Latrell Mitchell and Jamie Humphreys, who have been sidelined due to injury and suspension.
The Roosters, meanwhile, are eyeing a potential big-money move for Daly Cherry-Evans for the 2026 season, leveraging the financial flexibility gained from Smith's departure. The club has already paid approximately $400,000 of Smith's contract this season, which has opened up opportunities to invest in younger talent.
As the NRL season intensifies, both the Roosters and Rabbitohs are positioned to make bold moves that could define their futures. With Smith's imminent arrival in South Sydney, fans are eager to see how this transfer will impact the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.
In addition to Smith's transfer, the Roosters' management remains focused on the future, with several emerging players ready to step up and fill the gaps left by departing stars. Young's situation remains fluid, as he too may find a new home before the June 30 transfer deadline. The Knights are reportedly interested in Young, but discussions hinge on whether the Roosters will contribute to his salary.
As the NRL landscape evolves, fans will be watching closely to see how these roster changes play out. The competition is fierce, and every decision made now could have lasting implications for the teams involved.
