The South Sydney Rabbitohs have confirmed the mid-season acquisition of international forward Brandon Smith, who joins the club for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season. The move follows Smith’s early release from his contract with the Sydney Roosters, originally set to expire at the end of this year.
Smith, 28, had already signed a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs beginning in 2026. His early arrival enables him to integrate into the team ahead of schedule. Since making his NRL debut with the Melbourne Storm in 2017, Smith has accumulated 148 first-grade appearances and scored 27 tries. He was part of Melbourne’s 2020 premiership-winning squad and has represented New Zealand in 13 Test matches.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly welcomed Smith’s arrival: “Brandon is a player of rare talent and toughness. His addition strengthens our forward pack as we push for finals contention in 2025. We’re thrilled to have him on board ahead of schedule.” Head Coach Wayne Bennett echoed the sentiment, noting Smith’s leadership qualities and versatility. “Brandon will bring energy, experience, and a winning mentality to our group. We look forward to integrating him into our system over the coming weeks.”
However, Smith’s mid-season transfer has not been without controversy. His departure from the Roosters follows disciplinary issues earlier in the season, including a breach notice for missing a team review session. Additionally, South Sydney reportedly paid a transfer fee to secure his early release, prompting discussion around the financial and strategic implications of the move.
Smith is currently recovering from an ACL injury and is not expected to return to the field immediately. While his long-term value to the Rabbitohs is widely acknowledged, questions remain about the short-term benefit of the acquisition given his current fitness and the team’s roster needs.
