Phil Gould thinks a new environment will be advantageous Brandon Smith As the out-of-contract star gets nearer to departing, Sydney Roosters .
Then, the Bulldogs' coach aimed sharp criticism at his previous team due to peculiar recruiting choices they've made lately.
The 28-year-old was informed during preseason that his current contract would not be renewed, as the Tricolours decided against it. to invest significant funds in NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson .
READ MORE: "Almost stumbled": Joey responds to the historic $14 million Brown transaction
READ MORE: 'Put your money on him': Giddey poised for significant NBA salary boost'
READ MORE: "Support him fully": Tszyu amazed by Zerafa's transformed image
Smith is currently out due to a prolonged knee injury; however, he has caught the attention of rival club South Sydney. They seem ready to secure the New Zealand international for the 2026 season, possibly even before then.
On ABC's Wide World of Sports Six Tackles With Gus The ex-Roosters coach acknowledged that Smith’s persona clashed with the team, much like oil and water, yet he strongly believes that a new perspective might help the premier title holder regain his top form.
"I have never actually met Brandon Smith; I only know him from what appears on television," Gould stated.
I believe his actions aren’t driven by malice; instead, he’s simply an enthusiastic youngster with exceptional skills as a football player. It has been quite incompatible for him with the Roosters, much like oil and water, and now he faces this injury.
I believe that anyone who ends up with Brandon Smith might just find they've acquired his finest form yet. Having gone through the journey from Melbourne to the Roosters where things didn’t pan out as expected, I hope this experience has matured and toughened him up.
If he joins South Sydney under Wayne Bennett’s guidance, that would greatly assist him.
Catch the 2025 NRL grand final live and for free on Nine. 9Now .
The unsuccessful tenure of Smith has brought significant attention to the club’s player acquisition and retention strategies, leaving the Roosters to face the consequences of extensive squad reshuffling.
https://omny.fm/shows/six-tackles-with-gus-1/dylan-brown-s-13m-deal-gus-auction-house-round-2-t/embedTerrell May and Sitili Tupouniua were both compelled to leave the club towards the close of last year, whereas others such as Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves also departed.
Although it was not the sole factor, Gould contends that Smith's preference for playing as a hooker has influenced both the Chooks team and the overall composition of their roster.
The Bulldogs manager stated, 'They purchased him as a hustler, but I don't believe he fits that role,'
They released Sam Verrills, whom I believe is a very talented player in that position.
I’m uncertain about their expectations when they acquired Smith, but having both Victor Radley and him on the same squad seemed puzzling to me.
One critique I have of the Roosters over the past few years is that they’ve clung to their veteran players for too long, without transitioning young talent quickly enough.
frequently wondered about the reasoning behind bringing back Michael Jennings, acquiring Chad Townsend, or pursuing someone like Dane Gagai. It seems as though they might have clung to their successful streak for an extended period, which ultimately proved detrimental.
There is incredible talent developing within their ranks, and they simply need to believe in it. They must learn how to endure losses using this talent before mastering victories with it.
Trent Robinson’s team had a rocky beginning in round one, suffering a 50-14 defeat against the Broncos, and their challenges continue as they face the Panthers this Friday.
