‘We’re talking with Brandon’s management’: Rabbitohs confirm interest in Roosters hooker but immediate switch seems unlikely

Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly has confirmed the club is chatting with Brandon Smith’s management about a possible deal for 2026 and beyond, although it’s unlikely the Roosters hooker will make an immediate switch this season. South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett said last week that he’d “love to see him” at the club, with Smith revealing on the Bye Round Podcast that he grew up supporting the Rabbitohs and was “stoked” to have them chasing him after he turned down the master coach when he tried to sign him at the Dolphins. Smith is highly unlikely to remain at the Roosters beyond this season, but an immediate switch isn’t on the cards with the Rabbitohs happy with Peter Mamouzelos’ development at dummy-half. “We’re talking with Brandon’s management at the moment,” Solly said. “Clearly, Wayne’s interested and Brandon doesn’t want to let Wayne down a second time, so we’ll see where we get to over the next few days and weeks. “We don’t really have much space in terms of the cap available this year, so we’re not sure (if there’s any room to chase him in 2025). “Pete’s a big part of our future. You look at most teams in the game now and they’re playing two hookers, so it’s up to Wayne with how he wants to use that.” Connor Watson has had to play hooker with Smith recovering from a serious knee injury, and he could only shake his head when he heard his comments last week about him supporting their fiercest rivals. “I think that’s just Brandon,” he said. “I love him, but sometimes he says things. He’s still here for the rest of the year and I’m looking forward to him getting back on the paddock for the Roosters and playing with him again. “I hope he’s here for the rest of the year. He’s been training really well and he’s getting strong and looks really fit.” Veteran Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker would love to see the New Zealand international at the club. “I’m probably not going to talk publicly about rumours and all that sort of stuff, but we all know what Brandon brings,” he said. “If that’s the way the club feels that we need him and they get him, then we’ll welcome him with open arms like every new recruit that we welcome.” The comments came at Allianz Stadium where representatives from the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers came together to launch the first Gadhu Gathering, which will be held during the second week of Indigenous Round. The three clubs will all host games at the venue, with the Rabbitohs proud to be a part of the “mini Magic Round” given 11 of their full-time squad members are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. “Rugby league has long been a unifying force within Indigenous communities, and the Gadhu Gathering is a chance to honour that connection while bringing members and supporters together to celebrate culture and sport,” Solly said. “The work our club, and that of Souths Cares, in Indigenous communities is second-to-none and we look forward to celebrating everything that connects our club, our community organisation and our sport with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to the Rabbitohs family. “We are proud to stand alongside our fellow clubs and Venues NSW in making this event a reality.”