Sydney, May 14 – New Zealand international Brandon Smith has been granted an early release from the Sydney Roosters to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of schedule, headlining a busy period of player movement in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Smith, 28, had already agreed to a two-year deal with Souths starting in 2026 but will link up with the club immediately as he prepares to return from a long-term ACL injury. A 2020 premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm, Smith has made 148 NRL appearances since his debut in 2017 and has represented the Kiwis 13 times.
Elsewhere, veteran Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has confirmed the 2025 season will be his last with the Sea Eagles after turning down a two-year contract extension. The 35-year-old said he wanted clarity for the club and teammates as they target a strong finals push.
“I wanted to confirm I was leaving the club now, rather than making a call later in the season, so that we can get on with our goal of winning a premiership,” Cherry-Evans said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a series of other signings, extensions and departures have reshaped club rosters across the league:
Player Extensions and Re-signings:
- Newcastle Knights forward Mat Croker signed a two-year extension through to 2027.
- The Dragons re-signed playmaker Lyhkan King-Togia until 2027, elevating him to the Top-30 squad.
- Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad extended his stay until the end of 2027.
- Bulldogs utility Jaeman Salmon committed until 2027, earning praise for his versatility and leadership.
- The Roosters locked in NSW Cup forward Taylor Losalu through 2027 after his NRL debut this season.
- South Sydney extended young forward Liam Le Blanc until 2026, upgrading him to the Top-30 next year.
- Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu signed a one-year extension through 2025.
- Cronulla retained NSW Cup standouts Niwhai Puru and Chris Vea’ila through 2026.
New Signings:
- The Warriors signed 21-year-old Leeds forward Morgan Gannon on a three-year deal starting in 2026. Gannon, who has 59 Super League appearances, is the son of former Balmain Tigers forward Jim Gannon.
- Newcastle five-eighth Jye Linnane will also join the Warriors on a three-year deal in 2025 despite an ongoing ACL recovery.
Departures:
- Wests Tigers confirmed star youngster Lachlan Galvin will leave the club after the 2026 season, despite the club reportedly tabling its most lucrative junior offer. The club stated it would not entertain an early release.
- Eels forward Joe Ofahengaue was granted an early release to join the Leigh Leopards in England.
- Bulldogs prop Tom Amone is also expected to move to the UK Super League after being released.
The spate of signings and movements comes as clubs look to solidify their rosters ahead of the NRL’s 2025 and 2026 campaigns.
