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

[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.

[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.

[Qld Chook]

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.

I just listened to the poddy and have the same opinion.

I'd actually be happy for us to re-sign but just on a lot less dosh (around $400K). Im far from convinced Robson leaves the Cowboys (although if he does he is exactly what we need). Brandon should be playing off the bench in a hybrid lock/hooker role imo. He doesn't have the fitness to be a starting hooker.

[Qld Chook]

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.

Do you think we would entertain resigning him on that to play lock off the bench (similar to the Storm did)? With Connor & Rads already it might not be option, I'd just hate to see him tear it up elsewhere after watching us try to mould him into a big minute hooker which doesn't suit him.

[Inflictor]

Do you think we would entertain resigning him on that to play lock off the bench (similar to the Storm did)? With Connor & Rads already it might not be option, I'd just hate to see him tear it up elsewhere after watching us try to mould him into a big minute hooker which doesn't suit him.

It looks like Rads will play second row now and Whyte might be a front row option. I rate Smith but maybe not at hooker. But also gives us that option if the hooker goes down. Doubt we will re-sign him though.

[Qld Chook]

It looks like Rads will play second row now and Whyte might be a front row option. I rate Smith but maybe not at hooker. But also gives us that option if the hooker goes down. Doubt we will re-sign him though.

I like Rads at lock. Especially with Walker out, I think attack wise we need him back in the middle.
I'd be giving Wong an extended crack in the second row. He flourished there in the finals in 23. Nat Butch & Whyte will have to play as middles/props imo with Lindsay & Spencer.

[Vasco]

It looks like Rads will play second row now and Whyte might be a front row option. I rate Smith but maybe not at hooker. But also gives us that option if the hooker goes down. Doubt we will re-sign him though.

Radley was ok on the edge but we need his defence in the middle. We were woeful there last season.

[Rooster_6]

I just listened to the poddy and have the same opinion.

I'd actually be happy for us to re-sign but just on a lot less dosh (around $400K). Im far from convinced Robson leaves the Cowboys (although if he does he is exactly what we need). Brandon should be playing off the bench in a hybrid lock/hooker role imo. He doesn't have the fitness to be a starting hooker.

I don't think Robson will leave, he's spoken about how much he loves Nth QLD and how much he wants to stay.


I'll just take us chasing him at this point because IMO it suggests a positive rethink about the type of player we are trying to recruit.

[MKCS]

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.

I don't see him signing anywhere for that little. Despite a couple of crappy seasons he has shown glimpses of brilliance also and many of the lower end teams would be all too happy to pay him 650k - 750k a season to have an above average hooker that has won a comp.

[Bansai Pipeline]

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.

I've always liked and rated him. But Robbo's Chooks don't seem to be the type of club to get the best out of an eccentric like the Cheese.

Big personalities don't seem to fit with the Rooster's Way. Tyrell was another case in point.

Robbo likes Teddy-style yes men.

Dullards.

Dumb dumbs.

[Bansai Pipeline]

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.

You have to find new ways to win.

You can't just try and replicate what worked last time.

You can see Robbo falling into that trap repeatedly with his endless recruitment of former players (Fergo, Naps) and stacking the coaching department with recent retirees (Maubs, Cords, Friend, Cronk, Morris etc).

[Bansai Pipeline]

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

I can see the Bunnies making a play

Me too. And I can see Bennet getting the best out of him.

We blew it all round with Brandon. Completely failed to get the best out of him. Totally on Robbo.

[Mickie Lane]

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

I can see the Bunnies making a play

Souths are looking at getting Lodge onboard.
Bennett will get Souths in the top 4 next year

[Bansai Pipeline]

Souths are looking at getting Lodge onboard.
Bennett will get Souths in the top 4 next year

Yeah I saw Manly let him go. He must be some kind of proper wrongun Lodge. Another perfect Bennet project.

[kakaruk]

Cheese wants to stay he was playing really well before he got injured the club should retain him imo maybe 2years at 650 to 700 until the youth comes through the ranks roosters recruiting has been poor since pos left the club Fifita was a debacle hunt played us like a piano to get the broncs over the line whoever is running recruitment needs to lift their game we’re lucky we have so many talented young players coming thru our system that will help us immensely next year va and toia impress me