Wayne Bennett confirms desire to have Brandon Smith join South Sydney Rabbitohs

Wayne Bennett is actively pursuing Brandon Smith, the Sydney Roosters star who has fallen out of favor, and it seems the two have buried the hatchet. Bennett highly praised Smith's work ethic, comparing him to injured Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray, and confirmed on Friday his plans to lure the outstanding hooker to South Sydney.

Smith's contract with the Roosters expires at the end of this season. This week, Smith expressed his hope that Bennett had forgiven him for reneging on a verbal agreement to join the Dolphins in 2023. The super coach stated that he had absolutely forgiven Smith, telling the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that the 28-year-old would be a great addition to the team.

Bennett said, "I wanted him at the Dolphins, and my thoughts haven't changed now. I'd very much like to have him at South Sydney, so hopefully, we can get to the table and get a deal done." He added, "He's 100 percent committed. Like Cameron Murray and other players, they give everything they've got every time they take the field. They don't necessarily get it right every time, but you know the one thing they do is compete for everything and give their best for the team."

Smith is currently recovering from an ACL tear and is expected to be sidelined until June. He may seek an early exit from the Roosters, as the Roosters have already signed NSW State of Origin hooker Reece Robson from the North Queensland Cowboys. When asked if he hoped the Rabbitohs could sign Smith this year, Bennett said, "I just hope so now."

Bennett expressed his support for Smith on the eve of South Sydney's trip to Wollongong to face the St George Illawarra Dragons and former Rabbitohs and Blues player Damien Cook. The seven-time premiership-winning mentor has no doubt that Cook and another player discarded by South Sydney, Lachlan Ilias, will be out to prove a point against their old club. Bennett said, "Without a doubt, I think the players playing in the same position against them will have the same thoughts about wanting to prove themselves, so it evens it up a bit."

Young player Jamie Humphreys will once again wear the Rabbitohs' No. 7 jersey once owned by Ilias, as Bennett has again overlooked highly touted English recruit Lewis Dodd. Bennett said, "He's not over the moon about it, but he understands. Lewis's destiny has always been in his own hands. I didn't think he wouldn't play the first game, but that's how it's turned out, so Lewis can spend some time in the state league, he's a talented player, he just needs some confidence."

Humphreys performed well in South Sydney's first-round victory over the Dolphins, with the 23-year-old impressing Bennett with his "composure." The experienced coach said, "He's a skilled footballer and playing in a tough position. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and I thought he handled it well, didn't panic." The Dragons are seeking their first win of the season after losing to the Canterbury Bulldogs in the first round.