‘The only thing I regret is playing sh*t’: Brandon Smith opens up ahead of Souths move, urges Roosters to spend his cash wisely

Brandon Smith has revealed his only regret during his time at the Roosters as he prepares to make a mid-season move to the Rabbitohs.

A candid Brandon Smith says his only regret at the Roosters was “playing sh*t” as he prepares to make a mid-season switch to the Rabbitohs that was fuelled this week by a contract signing that had nothing to do with rugby league.

There were reports the New Zealand international had signed something official on Wednesday, but it turns out that was actually a deal with Nando’s to promote their new PERi mac and cheese that is about to land in Australia.

“It’s been a rollercoaster few days, and I don’t know if that photo was the catalyst for what’s happened in this whole sh*t fight of a storm we’re going through right now,” he told the NewsWire at a Nando’s store in Sydney.

“I’m starting to get to the end of it and I think it’ll all be sorted by the end of the week and we can all move on.”

Brandon Smith has signed on with Nando's to launch their new PERi mac and cheese, with some people confusing his contract with his deal with Souths. Picture: Adam Taylor

THE CONTRACT SAGA

Speculation around Smith’s future has dragged on for much of the year, with the injured hooker signing on March 19 to join the Rabbitohs for the next two seasons.

But that’s set to be fast-tracked with Smith having played his final game for the Roosters after joining them in 2023 from the Storm.

He trained with the reserve grade side on Wednesday and said it was “pretty weird” walking in and having to chat with Lindsay Collins and other players, with things becoming normal once the session started.

It’s been a hectic few months for the “Cheese”, who credits his nearest and dearest for helping him navigate his way through it all, which included him finding out about the early release while he was at Angus Crichton’s wedding.

“I’m trying to hold myself together. I’ve got a great partner who’s helping me out with everything,” he said.

“My partner Isabella has had to call the Bunnies while I’m doing all my other stuff, and she’s been dealing with other people while I was at training yesterday. I’m very lucky I’ve got her by my side.

“All you can do is hold your head up high. I wasn’t feeling great when I went into training yesterday, but you’ve got to do it.”

Brandon Smith hopes the money the Roosters saved can be spent on Naufahu Whyte and Blake Steep. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

RED, WHYTE AND BLUE

Smith played 41 games for the Roosters but there were always question marks over whether he truly fitted in and where he would play once he returned from injury given Connor Watson has done so well at hooker.

Coach Trent Robinson spoke with Smith on Wednesday to explain why the club wanted to move him on now to save cash, with Smith urging the club to spend the money wisely and to invest in their talented players coming through.

“I told Robbo yesterday that I understand it completely because I’m probably still another eight weeks away,” the injured star said.

“The Roosters have such a great crop of young players coming through at the moment in Naufahu Whyte and Blake Steep, and I hope to God that my money is going to re-signing these guys and not bringing someone in.

“If Naufahu Whyte or Blake Steep hit the open market, there could be some dramas with the Roosters trying to keep them because Blake is a 19-year-old talent that you don’t see very often and Naufahu has been one of the best props in the game.

“This is a business, and I get it. They’re probably getting enough value out of Connor and Zach Dockar-Clay at the hooker role, so my money can be spent elsewhere.

“The club has done a lot for me over my three-year tenure, so I don’t have any qualms with it.

“The only thing that has been hard is that it all came suddenly. I had just woken up from a recovery party after a wedding for one of the Roosters players and was getting calls from my manager sending me the articles coming out.”

It’s been a rollercoaster couple of years for Smith at the Roosters. Picture: NRL Photos

NO REGRETS

Smith gave an infamous podcast interview back in 2021 about his desire to win a premiership with the Roosters while he was still playing for the Storm, and while that never eventuated, he made it clear the past few years hadn’t been a failure.

“I’ve got no regrets coming to the club,” he said.

“I probably regret not playing better for them and not winning a premiership for them. I regret all that, but that’s part of footy. How many signings go to a club and win premierships?

“If I could, I would still do the exact same move that I did. Well, maybe I wouldn’t have done a podcast like I did last time when I left my club (the Storm).

“But I take nothing back. Trent Robinson is a great coach, they’ve got great people and I’ve made best friends at the club.

“The only thing I regret is playing sh*t.”

Wayne Bennett always wanted Smith, even if he lied to him in the past. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

THE WAYNE TRAIN

All roads now lead to South Sydney – the Roosters’ fiercest rivals – with Smith set to finally link up with master coach Wayne Bennett after a false start a few years ago when he told him he would join him at the Dolphins.

“I dudded Wayne and I broke his trust because I told him I was going there,” he said.

“Two years down the track, he’s still interested in me. That shows me he wants me. Every chat I’ve had with him over the past two days, he’s been outstanding.

“The feeling of not being wanted is bad, but being wanted is better.”

THE MIDDLE MAN

The only question now is where Smith will play for the Rabbitohs, with the 2020 premiership winner not fussed whether he plays hooker, lock or off the bench.

Cameron Murray will be the lock when he returns from injury next year, while Peter Mamouzelos was playing well before he hurt his elbow at Magic Round.

Smith is hoping to be back in eight weeks. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Smith’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths, and he’d gladly return as an impact player off the bench once he finally gets the green light to come back from his devastating knee injury.

“I’m 28 going on 29, so this contract isn’t about me,” he said.

“It’s about my career and me wanting to win games and put the club before myself.

“I want to win games whether I play lock or hooker or prop. Whatever Wayne needs, I’ll do it.

“I’m not set on being a hooker and I’m not set on being a lock. I’d play on the bench if I had to. I just want to enjoy my football again and get back to form.”

Originally published as ‘The only thing I regret is playing sh*t’: Brandon Smith opens up ahead of Souths move, urges Roosters to spend his cash wisely