Brandon Smith on the Roosters, Rabbitohs, and the "Mold" He Couldn’t Fit

In the latest episode of Kenty Prime Time, NRL superstar Brandon Smith joined Kenty and Johnny Elias to address the "dramatic departure saga" from the Sydney Roosters and his new life at South Sydney. Eschewing the typical PR-speak, Smith provided a raw look at the internal dynamics of the league’s most powerful clubs and the legendary coaches who run them.

The "Square Peg" at the Roosters 

Addressing his time at Bondi, Smith was candid about why the high-profile move didn't result in his best football. Responding to Kenty's observation that he looked like a "square peg in a round hole," Smith admitted he struggled with the rigid expectations of the club.

"I feel like there's a little bit of a mold that I kind of didn't fit in there... when you go the Roosters, it's 'you're on' and that's fair enough, that's how Robbo runs it. But Wayne runs a little bit different, and that's more to my liking."

Smith also reflected on his decision to sign with the Roosters over the Dolphins back in 2023, admitting that "in hindsight," he wouldn't have "dogged Wayne" after giving the supercoach his word. He noted that a lack of transparency regarding other signings—specifically Jesse and Kenny Bromwich—swayed his decision at the time.

The Wayne Bennett vs. Trent Robinson Divide 

Having played under Craig Bellamy, Trent Robinson, and now Wayne Bennett, Smith offered a unique comparison of their coaching styles. While he praised Robinson’s "technical brilliance," he explained why Bennett’s simpler approach resonates more with his personality.

"Robbo is very technically brilliant... My game is not a technically brilliant game. I base my game off high energy... bite off more than you can chew and chew the f*** out of it."

Contrastingly, Smith described Bennett and Bellamy as "very similar," focusing more on effort and player happiness. On Bennett's management style, Smith noted: "He's just good at making you feel happy... he's very good at not just changing the narrative for the news, but changing the narrative for us."

Injury Woes and the "Warning Shot"

Smith also cleared the air regarding his current injury status at the Rabbitohs. He revealed that he ignored medical advice to play against Manly, a decision that led to a re-aggravation of his MCL.

"The physio suggested otherwise to me... they didn't want me to play. But I wanted to play... I got a warning shot. This was a warning shot; it could have gone way worse."

He admitted he is now willing to listen to the medical staff, even if it means sitting out the remainder of the season to ensure a "100% confident" return for 2026.

The Lachlan Galvin/Bulldogs Saga 

The panel also touched on the topical situation at Canterbury regarding the signing of Lachlan Galvin. Smith provided a player’s perspective on the move, expressing sympathy for Toby Sexton while acknowledging Cameron Ciraldo’s long-term vision.

"I don't reckon I've seen enough from him as a player to say that he's a number seven that's going to lead your team to a competition this year... but I feel like Cameron Ciraldo... he's not a results-based decision maker. He's worked it out how it's going to look for the future."

Quick Hits & Locker Room Pests 

Closing out the episode, Smith nominated his biggest "pests" in the game, highlighting Cody Walker, Cameron Munster, and Harry Grant as the top agitators. He also labeled Cooper Johns as the "funniest person" he has ever met, describing him as a "chameleon" who can adapt his humor to any situation.

Watch the full, uncut interview with Brandon Smith on Fanatics TV.