Brandon Smith’s Admission Highlights Roosters’ $900k Gamble as Potential Switch Approaches

Roosters captain James Tedesco has nearly conceded that Brandon Smith was brought in to play the wrong position, although he expressed a desire for the dynamic forward to remain with the club for now.

Smith, 28, is reportedly close to finalising a deal with South Sydney and could see an early release from his contract with the Roosters before the June 30 transfer deadline.

Currently recovering from a long-term knee injury, Smith is anticipated to return to the field in the latter part of the season.

On a recent episode of The Bye Round podcast, he mentioned that he “hopes it happens” when asked abouthis potential move to the Rabbitohs.

“I’m thrilled that (Bunnies coach Wayne Bennett) is interested in me, but realistically, we had a pretty shaky relationship. I did promise him I would sign with Redcliffe, and we all saw how that turned out,” Smith revealed.

“I felt quite bad about that. Hopefully, he has moved on. I’m not entirely sure what’s happening at the moment. I hope something comes together, but it’s not solely up to me; it’s more about them.”

The Kiwi international was a standout in the league when he aided Melbourne in clinching the 2020 premiership, often functioning as a bench utility and sometimes taking on starting roles in the front row or at lock for the Storm.

While he frequently played as a hooker for Melbourne, he has represented New Zealand in all 13 of his Test matches donning the No.9 jersey.

However, Cameron Smith, his former teammate and regarded as the best dummy-half in the game’s history, suggested that his protégé was never truly suited to being a hooker.

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“He’s an immensely talented player, and when it’s time to work, he’s there to do it,” Smith told Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday.

“He strives for excellence in his own game and wants to elevate the performance of his teammates as well.

“I’ve always maintained that I don’t believe he is suited for the starting hooker role. I sincerely don’t.

“I think his optimal positions are either as a lock or coming off the bench as an impactful ruck player.”

“The contribution he made while playing that role at Melbourne Storm was extraordinary.

“When he entered the field, all we needed was an energising run or tackle to shift the momentum; he was ideal for that role.”

Interestingly, Roosters skipper Tedesco concurred with this view.

“Absolutely, yes. I totally agree,” he stated during a panel discussion.

“He has the ability to change the course of a match… fingers crossed he doesn’t end up at the Bunnies this season.”

Tedesco’s remarks are noteworthy considering the Roosters have invested $900,000 a year since 2023 in Smith’s position as a hooker.

They allowed club rookie Sam Verrills to move to the Titans and placed all their hopes on Smith, but it has turned out to be a significant misstep.

Smith’s difficulties in adjusting to the No.9 position have been exacerbated by a perceived nonchalant attitude off the field, with public statements like those made on the podcast likely causing frustration among club management.

However, Tedesco insists that regardless of how he may come across publicly, Smith is a consummate professional when it comes to football.

“He’s a relaxed bloke who loves a good time… but he is genuinely intelligent when it comes to football,” Tedesco explained.

“In our recent meetings, he has provided us with some valuable insights into how he perceives opponents are playing.

“He absorbs a lot of information. While he may not seem it, often perceived as a joker, he’s actually very astute.”