Brandon Smith is no longer a Sydney Roosters player after his move to South Sydney was confirmed

It has been coming for a while, but after the final box was ticked, a shock mid-season move for a premiership winner is complete.

Brandon Smith has officially been granted an early release by the Roosters, with the injured hooker set to link up with the Rabbitohs on Tuesday where he’ll continue his rehab before returning to action in roughly seven weeks.

Smith signed a two-year deal to join Souths in 2026 but will make the move now after passing his medical on Monday.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Monday that the decision was purely financial, with Connor Watson and Zach Dockar-Clay doing a good job for the club this season.

Smith joined the Roosters in 2023 after a successful stint in Melbourne but endured a slow start to life at his new club before finding form last season, only for him to suffer a serious knee injury on the eve of the finals.

“We appreciate Brandon’s contributions over the last 2½ years, he was playing some very good football before he was sidelined by his knee injury,” Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson said.

Thank you Brandon 🫶🏻🐓

Details in the comments pic.twitter.com/OEVXoxJrPN

— Sydney Roosters 🐓 (@sydneyroosters) May 12, 2025

“With his return to play not too far away, we thank Brandon and extend our best wishes in the next chapter of his career.”

Smith will now join Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs just a few years after he told him he’d play under him at the Dolphins, only to change his mind and sign for the Roosters.

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

“Two years down the track, he’s still interested in me. That shows me he wants me. Every chance 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 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.

Brandon Smith hurt his knee in September 2024. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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’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.”