Roosters coach Trent Robinson won’t confirm if Brandon Smith will be granted early release after signing with South Sydney

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says Brandon Smith’s decision to join fierce rivals South Sydney is a “good move for him” but wouldn’t commit to an immediate release for the injured star as both parties attempt to reach some sort of arrangement. Smith signed a two-year deal to join the Rabbitohs after meeting with coach Wayne Bennett, who was desperate for him to sign with the Dolphins when he was in charge. Instead, the New Zealand international in 2023 joined the Roosters where he’s struggled to hit the same heights as he did with the Storm, with Smith sidelined after he ruptured his ACL late last season. “It’s been pretty transparent since November,” Robinson said when asked about the deal. “We’ve had those conversations, Brandon has had those conversations. “It’s a good move for him. Wayne is obviously a great coach, and he gets to stay in the area he’s really enjoyed and it’s a position they want to fill as well. “I know there’s a lot of rivalry between the clubs, but Brandon has been really clear and we’ve been really clear, so it’s been a clean move.” Latrell Mitchell looks in ripping shape as he gears up for a return from injury. Smith’s role at the Rabbitohs is an interesting one given he can play dummy-half or as a damaging runner in the middle, with Bennett to make that call down the track. There is no love lost between the clubs, but Smith insists there was nothing sinister about his decision to join a team that all Roosters fans loathe. “I feel like people assume that I went to the Bunnies to piss off the Roosters, but that’s not really the case,” he said on The Bye Round podcast. “It seemed very convenient and Wayne Bennett actually wanted me, he’s got a lot of interest in me. The fact that it’s in Sydney, me and my partner don’t have to move … the stars just aligned. It’s definitely exciting but a bit nerve-racking at the same time.” Smith’s future at the Roosters has been a major talking point for the past few months, with suggestions he hasn’t been able to fit into their culture. It’s why many people believe he could leave this season, although Smith says he’s happy to stay with a team that’s coming off a stunning win over the Panthers that Robinson put down to their belief that they’re still a strong team even if people questioned their new-look roster on the back of one heavy loss. “It’s not really up to me,” Smith said. “I’m happy at the Roosters for this year and happy to see out the contract. “Robbo has been really asking for my input at training and there hasn’t been any animosity at the club … but the ball is not really in my court. “If the Roosters feel like they have an opportunity to let me go and bring a player with more value, that’s a discussion they’d have to have with me. “For now, if they want me to stay, I will stay. At the moment, I’m happy where I’m at.”