Brandon Smith was one of the most polarising players in the game. Then he came to the Roosters in search of a starting No.9 role – but his shimmer is not the same.
The 28-year-old was issued a breach notice by his club on Sunday after failing to attend the Roosters mid-season review the previous Monday. Trent Robinson and Tricolours powerbrokers were having a discussion regarding the club’s round 13 loss, a disappointing 16-18 upset where the Cowboys fielded a severely Origin-depleted outfit. Smith says he was out with family and left his phone at home, but the benign act could have a cataclysmic influence on his playing future.
Brandon Smith takes on the line against the Sharks. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images) Smith burst onto the scene as a blocky utility with sharp acceleration and toughness in bounds to become a Kiwi representative and 2020 premiership winner at Melbourne. He earned his stripes as the understudy of Cameron Smith, coming off the bench to provide a spark around the ruck and in the middle – barging through tired defence and putting on big shots.
The impact player would charge into collisions and bolt through gaps – he was the man who could create change in the matter of a set. When Melbourne anointed Harry Grant as their successor for Cameron Smith, ‘Hectic Cheese’ decided to seek interest elsewhere – completely understandable at the time. A player of his calibre should not have to be second-fiddle.
More League When Smith locked in a thre.
