Incoming Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has poured chilly water on a possible switch transfer for Brandon Smith, while additionally confirming one other star will land in Redfern subsequent season.
Bennett advised reporters on Thursday that Smith is “too expensive”, responding to experiences of a possible participant swap between bitter rivals the Rabbitohs and the Roosters.
The grasp coach beforehand tried to recruit the gun hooker to turn out to be the Dolphins’ marquee signing forward of the membership’s debut NRL season in 2023.
The solely place to observe each recreation of each spherical LIVE with no ad-breaks throughout play is Fox League, accessible on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial as we speak >
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit restrict.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘HE’S YET TO DELIVER’: Huge concern surrounding Blues star’s Origin output
HOOPS: Signs Wayne’s Souths revival has already begun; NRL’s looming enemy
U19S ORIGIN: From big props to sons of weapons, the way forward for the NRL revealed
Smith toured the membership’s amenities and even reportedly went as far as telling Bennett he was prepared to signal, earlier than finally backflipping and becoming a member of the Roosters.
Smith is reportedly incomes round $900,000 per-season, having not too long ago activated an possibility in his favour to increase his contract to the top of the 2025 season.
When requested if Bennett would take into account a play for his providers, Bennett mentioned: “He was nearly here (the Dolphins) but he changed his mind and didn’t come.
“He would be too expensive for South Sydney, too expensive,” Bennett repsonded wrily.
Ahead of his arrival on the Rabbitohs in 2025, Bennett has already made a number of contract strikes, permitting Damien Cook to depart to hitch the Dragons.
Meanwhile, Bennett additionally confirmed Dolphins again rower Euan Aitken is near finalising his contract with the South Sydney membership to comply with Bennett.
“I haven’t been told that officially, but I do understand that’s what’s going to happen,” he mentioned.
Nanai carrying damage concern for Origin | 02:10
Aitken has been an vital participant for the Dolphins of their first two NRL seasons, being utilising within the centres and within the backrow.
The Rabbitohs have additionally been linked to Sharks prop Royce Hunt, whereas Bennett will reportedly monitor Tevita Pangai Junior’s performances to shut out the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, a number of gamers could possibly be on the chopping block forward of Bennett’s arrival.
Izack Thompson, Michael Chee Kam, Shaquai Mitchell, Taane Milne, Isaiah Tass and Leon Te Hau are all off contract and are reportedly taking part in for his or her future.
Mitchell has reportedly been tabled a two-year contract extension, whereas conversations have reportedly begun surrounding Tass’ future.
Elsewhere, Dean Hawkins has been knowledgeable he is not going to be provided a contract in 2025, whereas Lachlan Ilias can be free to go away regardless of presently being beneath contract.