Roosters not expected to extend Brandon Smith's contract beyond 2025

[Rooster_6]

Brandon cops a lot for flack about his attitude but got to admit watching last night's James Graham podcast he spoke very well on the topic of his future and potential signing of Reece Robson.

I know he's got his flaws but I also appreciate him just being true to himself and his opinions.

[Inflictor]

He won't get $800K anywhere now.
But if he was happy to play lock at around $450K-$500K I think he would be a good signing.

[Chook2]

Find it funny that the cheese mentioned the roosters needed him and they would have to re sign him as there is no one else a few months ago
only to be pushed out early and most likely have little interest for him atm
his acl has come at the worst time for his contract negotiations

[Rooster90]

Well don't think the Chooks can be any clearer. Happy to let him go asap if someone wants him

Raiders have said no ta. Can't see him as a swap for Robson. Robson might stay out but use the Chooks to lift his contract price

To be fair shoulda left him at Melb....def hasn't got better up here.

He will stay in Sydney, has a deal with Fox that requires it

I can see the Bunnies making a play

[HDTONE]

Well don't think the Chooks can be any clearer. Happy to let him go asap if someone wants him

Raiders have said no ta. Can't see him as a swap for Robson. Robson might stay out but use the Chooks to lift his contract price

To be fair shoulda left him at Melb....def hasn't got better up here.

[HunchoRooster]

I was against it from the outset, but like all Roosters fans I really hoped it would work and there were some signs maybe it could've but I'm resigned to the fact that its not going to and we need to move on.

My main issues with signing him originally remain, he seems to lack endurance, his value was massively inflated by the anomaly of a season PVL Ball 2021 and his best position is as a roaming forward who can cover dummy half. I also think when you've got Tedesco, Keary & Walker... just get them the ball, you don't need a dummy half who's taking plays and control away from them. Had we signed him on a 500k contract to play the Connor Watson role I think he'd be an absolute star and a fan favourite so I'm not doubting his ability, but signing him as the starting 9 just wasn't the right fit and ~800k was a significant overpay.

I also always worry about players who base their games around a few massive efforts each game whether it's a few ridiculously tough carries or shooting out of the line for a few big hits (which Cheese falls into) it just doesn't seem to be sustainable and repeatable week to week let alone for multiple seasons in a row. I want to see players who have a good base level of performance that they can repeat week to week and then add the moments on top of that.

It's why I also wasn't a massive fan of the Spencer Leniu signing, I mean there's less risk with his signing as if he can't crack it as a starter then we've just overpaid for an excellent bench prop but I hope he proves me wrong and kills it as a starter next year. For Brandon Smith it was all or nothing, especially when we let Verrills go.

Yep, couldn't agree more with that.

Never seemed like a natural fit, even more so as a starting 9. I didnt think he would suddenly be able to play 80 week in week out, particularly as you mention a huge portion of his game is based around crazy effort plays.

[Rooster_6]

I thought they were more pissed off around his conduct during the negotiation process (and somewhat rightfully so) then the fact he was leaving. Publicly expressing his desire to join us whilst still technically contracted to the Storm and in negotiations with other clubs.

Curious, you are quite level headed - what is your overall analysis of his time with us to date? Is it a regretful signing?

I was against it from the outset, but like all Roosters fans I really hoped it would work and there were some signs maybe it could've but I'm resigned to the fact that its not going to and we need to move on.

My main issues with signing him originally remain, he seems to lack endurance, his value was massively inflated by the anomaly of a season PVL Ball 2021 and his best position is as a roaming forward who can cover dummy half. I also think when you've got Tedesco, Keary & Walker... just get them the ball, you don't need a dummy half who's taking plays and control away from them. Had we signed him on a 500k contract to play the Connor Watson role I think he'd be an absolute star and a fan favourite so I'm not doubting his ability, but signing him as the starting 9 just wasn't the right fit and ~800k was a significant overpay.

I also always worry about players who base their games around a few massive efforts each game whether it's a few ridiculously tough carries or shooting out of the line for a few big hits (which Cheese falls into) it just doesn't seem to be sustainable and repeatable week to week let alone for multiple seasons in a row. I want to see players who have a good base level of performance that they can repeat week to week and then add the moments on top of that.

It's why I also wasn't a massive fan of the Spencer Leniu signing, I mean there's less risk with his signing as if he can't crack it as a starter then we've just overpaid for an excellent bench prop but I hope he proves me wrong and kills it as a starter next year. For Brandon Smith it was all or nothing, especially when we let Verrills go.

[HunchoRooster]

Melbourne were so pissed off they didn't get the chance to make the last offer to Brandon Smith that they proposed the idea of a 10 day backflip rule to the NRL which was later passed in 2023 and I'm sure to the Storms delight ultimately cost us David Fifita's signature.

Melbourne certainly weren't comfortable about letting Smith go like you've said.

I thought they were more pissed off around his conduct during the negotiation process (and somewhat rightfully so) then the fact he was leaving. Publicly expressing his desire to join us whilst still technically contracted to the Storm and in negotiations with other clubs.

Curious, you are quite level headed - what is your overall analysis of his time with us to date? Is it a regretful signing?

[Rooster_6]

When he signed for us. Or even earlier when they were offering 100-150k less than other clubs that were after him when contract was ending.

Melbourne were so pissed off they didn't get the chance to make the last offer to Brandon Smith that they proposed the idea of a 10 day backflip rule to the NRL which was later passed in 2023 and I'm sure to the Storms delight ultimately cost us David Fifita's signature.

Melbourne certainly weren't comfortable about letting Smith go like you've said.

[HunchoRooster]

When did Bellamy/Melbourne become comfortable in letting Brandon Smith go?

When he signed for us. Or even earlier when they were offering 100-150k less than other clubs that were after him when contract was ending.

["gaz"]

Brandon Smith, his Manager and Robbo have not discussed his future beyond this year yet according to Brandon.
He is not being shopped around.
All is media speculation based on his injury and his contract expiring at the end of 2025

Here is a link to a recent James Graham Podcast where Brandon Smith discusses media speculation and gossip around his future at the Roosters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpC5S4jrFJs

I guess the Roosters will decide later based on his rehab effort and progress, and of course other factors

[Rooster_6]

I don't think Smith has done anything different with us culturally than he did at Melbourne so the question is why we signed him in the first place.

When Bellamy felt comfortable to let him go even after some great years of footy, what did Robbo see differently? Whatever it was, he hasn't seen it since.

When did Bellamy/Melbourne become comfortable in letting Brandon Smith go?

[Lydon]

I don't think Smith has done anything different with us culturally than he did at Melbourne so the question is why we signed him in the first place.

When Bellamy felt comfortable to let him go even after some great years of footy, what did Robbo see differently? Whatever it was, he hasn't seen it since.

I remember earlier in the year 2023 Robbo being interviewed and talking in excitement about the different dynamic Brandon Smith would bring to the team from dummy half..

He was so off the mark it’s not funny,bad decision by him and the Club based on what we’ve seen so far!

[HunchoRooster]

Its clear a big part of Smith and May being let go relates to culture.

Robbo, Maubs etc weren't born yesterday - they've been there for premiership wins multiple times. It's obvious they are seeing character flaws that are incompatible with winning a premiership, regardless of 'potential' they may have.

I have the gut feeling that Smith and May, based on interviews and such, don't have it in them to put in the extra 1%'rs that are vital to getting over the line in this competition.

I'm willing to back the clubs brains trust on these moves.

I don't think Smith has done anything different with us culturally than he did at Melbourne so the question is why we signed him in the first place.

When Bellamy felt comfortable to let him go even after some great years of footy, what did Robbo see differently? Whatever it was, he hasn't seen it since.

[Horry]

ROOSTERS CIRCLE ROBSON

North Queensland has tabled an offer to Reece Robson as it looks to fend off rumoured interest from the Sydney Roosters in the NSW hooker.

The Cowboys told Robson’s management during the Pacific Championships that they were keen to keep him at the club and it is understood they have followed through with an extension to his current contract, which runs until the end of next season.

The Roosters, however, are believed to be circling as they prepare for the departure of Brandon Smith. Smith is off contract at the end of next season but his management has already called for expressions of interest in the New Zealand international.

It raises the prospect that the two players could swap clubs – Smith spent two years in the under 20s at North Queensland before being sacked.

He landed on his feet at Melbourne and became an international but he is now expected to depart the Roosters at the end of next season, if not earlier.

The Cowboys’ clear preference would be to keep Robson but they may be forced to explore their options if the Roosters have their way