Brandon Smith says he is planning a return to action in a Sydney Roosters jersey in 2025 despite reports claiming the outspoken rake’s days at Bondi could be numbered.
A Sydney Morning Herald report published on Sunday claimed Trent Robinson does not view Smith as a long-term option at the Roosters and the club would not stand in the hooker’s way if he could find a new home as soon as next season, the final year of his contract with the Tricolours.
Speaking on The Bye Round with James Graham podcast on Thursday, the 28-year-old claimed there was nothing amiss and he will be mentoring younger players in the squad as he continues to recover from a long-term ACL injury.
“At the moment, nothing really changes for me, with that article coming out,” Smith said.
“Nothing really changes because as long as my manager and Robbo haven’t told me directly, what do I take that as? It’s just an article and then when I go into the club, nothing’s going to change unless Robbo comes and says, ‘Mate, we want you to have a look around or see if there’s any options.’ Then my life changes.
“But right now, it’s the same focus, going to preseason. There’s a leadership role there for me, I’m getting a bit older. Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves)’s gone, Luke Keary’s gone. I’m injured. I can’t affect the actual game, but I can affect the inside are of the Roosters and try to bring a little bit of that culture back that’s going to be missing with Jared.
“For me, the article is the article, Danny Weidler is Danny Weidler. Nothing changes for me, it’s just focus on where I can help the Roosters until they don’t want more help.”
The Roosters roster is in a state of flux after the departures of premiership winners Waerea-Hargreaves and Keary, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Joey Manu also leaving the club for rugby union.
Since arriving at Allianz Stadium in 2023 Smith has struggled to rediscover his top form, with Robinson’s side failing to progress past the preliminary finals in that span despite their formidable roster boasting multiple representative players.
