Disappointed Brandon Smith Speaks Out About Unexpected Rabbitohs Transfer: "I feel like I'm not truly valued or desired"
A Riveting Turn of Events: Brandon 'Cheese' Smith's Surprise Mid-Season Exit from the Roosters
In an unexpected twist, Brandon Smith, the popular Sydney Roosters hooker, found himself at the center of a bombshell news that questioned his future with the club. After a candid conversation on the bye-round podcast, Smith opened up about the sudden shift in his career path.
The 28-year-old was initially scheduled to join the arch-rivals, the Bunnies, in 2026, following a three-year stint with the Roosters. However, recent secret talks have prompted an early exit.
Smith seemed taken aback by the swift developments. He revealed receiving a call from his manager reporting a sudden change in contract negotiations overnight. Adding to the intrigue, Smith received a call from Roosters boss Trent Robinson, with both parties expressing shock at the sudden turn of events.
The clubs are reportedly haggling over a $40,000 difference in transfer fee, with the Roosters insisting on $200,000 and Souths unwilling to budge beyond $160,000.
Smith, affectionately known as 'Cheese' by his team-mates, looked visibly down during the podcast and admitted to feeling "like I'm not very wanted" and "not knowing" where he stands.
Smith's impending exit is part of a broader shake-up within the Roosters, with Dom Young also set to move and Sandon Smith on the market. The mid-season deal, if confirmed, could pave the way for the Roosters to secure Daly Cherry-Evans from Manly, with the club being the hot favorites for the coveted half-back[1][2][3].
The news came as a shock not only to Smith but also to Roosters fans, who have grown fond of his lighthearted persona and formidable play. Brisbane's Briath Anasta expressed his sympathy, stating Smith seemed "blindsided" by the move, and journalist Michael Carayannis called it "tough to watch and listen to."
Background Information
- Transfer fee negotiations are commonplace in the world of sports, but their impact on the salary cap can vary. In the National Rugby League (NRL), transfer fees are typically separate from salary cap considerations[1].
- The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs are long-standing rivals in the NRL, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Smith's mid-season move[2][3].
Enrichment Data:
Brandon Smith Mid-Season Move: Salary Cap and Negotiation Details
Mid-Season Transfer Fee and Terms
- South Sydney Rabbitohs (Souths) have agreed to pay a transfer fee of approximately AUD $180,000 to the Sydney Roosters to secure Brandon Smith for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season[1][2][3].
- Smith is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, expected to keep him out for the next six weeks. Despite this, Souths have committed to finalizing the transfer[1][3].
Impact on Salary Cap
- The transfer fee itself does not directly impact the salary cap for either club, as transfer fees in the NRL are typically outside the salary cap structure (unless specified otherwise by the NRL, which is rare for mid-season moves)[1][2].
- Smith's salary as part of the playing roster will be counted against Souths' salary cap for the duration of his contract, but the specific salary figure has not been publicly disclosed in the available sources[1][2].
Negotiation Details
- Clubs involved: The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
- Key term: Payment of a $180,000 transfer fee from Souths to the Roosters[1][2][3].
- Rationale: The move allows the Roosters to recoup some of their investment in Smith, while Souths add a proven talent to their roster, even with Smith sidelined short-term[1][3].
Summary Table
| Detail | Value/Benefit ||--------------------------|------------------------------|| Transfer Fee | AUD $180,000 || Salary Cap Impact | None (for transfer fee) || Player Status | Injured (ACL, 6 weeks out) || Clubs Involved | Roosters, Rabbitohs |
- Brandon Smith, originally scheduled to join the Rabbitohs in 2026, has expedited his exit from the Roosters due to recent secret negotiations.
- The transfer fee for Smith's move from the Roosters to the Rabbitohs stands at approximately AUD $180,000, as confirmed in the latest sports news.
- Although the transfer fee does not impact the salary cap for either club, Smith's salary with the Rabbitohs will be counted against their cap for the duration of his contract.
- Smith's mid-season move to the Rabbitohs, amid ongoing salary cap and negotiation details, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the long-standing rivalry between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs in the football league.
