Brandon Smith released by Sydney Roosters ahead of immediate move to South Sydney Rabbitohs

It’s all over for Brandon Smith at the Sydney Roosters, with the club granting the injured hooker an immediate release ahead of his move to cross-town rivals South Sydney.

Brandon Smith has officially confirmed his move from the Sydney Roosters to their bitter rivals South Sydney, declaring: “I’m a bunny now.”

Smith, who was granted an official release by the Roosters on Tuesday, is expected to begin training with his new Souths teammates on Thursday as he looks to make his debut for the Rabbitohs as early as round 15.

Speaking on The Bye Round podcast with James Graham, Smith insisted he held no ill-will towards the Roosters and revealed that coach Trent Robinson had called him to check on his mental health ahead of his move to Souths.

“I’m a bunny now - that we can confirm,” Smith said.

“We haven’t signed on the dotted line or anything like that, but we’re there pretty much. I have always said I do not regret signing with the Roosters.

“Although we didn’t win any premierships and things didn’t go according to plan … I learnt a lot as a footy player at that club and they did a lot for me outside of football.

“When you’re going through something that club will have your back 100 percent. They have the club’s best interests in mind. I wasn’t in the best interests by the end of it and that’s why I can understand the release.

“Now it is sorted and both clubs have done right by me. I have nothing I can even say bad about anyone at the club.”

Brandon Smith. Picture: NRL Photos

Asked what attracted him to Souths, Smith made special mention of coach Wayne Bennett.

“First of all the coach,” Smith said.

“He is very attractive in a good way. I think our personalities are sort of similar and in line. I feel like he taught Craig (Bellamy) a lot of the coaching abilities that he has, more so off the field.

“I don’t know Wayne but I have had a lot of conversations with the Bromwich boys, who are two of my best mates, and how much they speak highly of him.

“That is the main attraction and I feel like they have such a great side as well. My favourite team growing up.

“A lot of my close mates are already asking for the Rabbitohs gear and sending me their sizes through.

“Even the Roosters, I have to give them credit. Robbo (Trent Robinson) has called me twice and checked in on not how it is going, but how my mental health is going through this process.

“I really applaud Robbo for that.”

Originally published as Brandon Smith released by Sydney Roosters ahead of immediate move to South Sydney Rabbitohs