South Sydney super coach Wayne Bennett has opened up about why he is confident Brandon Smith won’t be a risky signing for the Rabbitohs.
After agreeing to a two-year deal to join the Bunnies in 2026, Bennett said he was looking forward to coaching the larrikin Kiwi.
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It’s no secret Smith had his off-field issues at the Roosters that in turn impacted on his on-field performances.
Asked if he fears it could be a risky signing for Souths, Bennett said: “If those were issues for me, I wouldn’t have asked the club to sign him.
“I am confident I am buying a bloke who is ready to play some good football.
“And I am confident he is coming to a good club where whatever his past has been it won’t be an issue.”
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Asked why he thinks he can get the best out of Smith when Trent Robinson couldn’t, Bennett answered it this way: “I don’t presume that I can get the best out of him.
“He has to get the best out of himself. I can’t do that.
“I just like what he brings to a team. I like his energy.”
Bennett also said Smith would not be pigeonholed into playing one position, whether that be dummy half or lock.
“He will play in the forwards, that’s where he will play,” Bennett continued.
“He can play hooker. He can play 13. He can play on an edge.
“I have got no doubt about that.
“So it will strengthen our forward pack.
“And we will find a place for him, from the interchange bench to the starting 13.”
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Bennett concedes he was filthy on Smith a few years back when he originally agreed to join the Dolphins before backflipping and signing with the Roosters.
But Bennett says it wasn’t a case of having to forgive Smith.
“I didn’t see any forgiveness in my heart, I just like what he brings,” he said.
“He wanted to go to another club and I can get over what happened.
“We have both moved on.”
There is still every chance Smith will end up at the Rabbitohs this year, although at this stage Bennett will not discuss that.
It’s now up to the two clubs to strike a deal knowing neither the Rabbitohs or the Roosters want to carry the load for the remainder owing on Smith’s current contract.
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The Rabbitohs confirmed the move on Wednesday afternoon.
“Brandon has a wonderful record of success in the NRL and at international level, having a 70% success rate across his career,” Rabbitohs Head of Recruitment and Retention, Mark Ellison, said.
“He improves the players around him and gives 100% every time he steps on the field, and is a great character off the field.
“Wayne (Bennett) has a high opinion of Brandon and they will have the opportunity to work together here at South Sydney.
“As a young man in New Zealand, he wore the red and green jersey of the Waiheke Rams and now he will have the chance to earn the right to wear the red and green jersey of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“We’re delighted to have signed an international-calibre player with a history of premiership success such as Brandon and we wish him the best of luck for the remainder of his time at his current club.”
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