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Jasper Bruce, AAP • May 9th, 2025 9:09 am
Photo: James Gourley/AAP
A frank Wayne Bennett says he can "probably not" get the best out of Brandon Smith this year given his long-term knee injury.
But that won't bother the South Sydney coach, who would place no pressure on the hooker this season if he arrived early from the Sydney Roosters as expected.
Souths signed Smith for 2026 and 2027 in March and had initially been sceptical of their chances to bring him over from their bitter rivals before the mid-season trade deadline on June 30.
But the 28-year-old is now further out of favour at the Roosters, training with the reserves on Wednesday as he nears the end of his recovery from his anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Smith has yet to return to action since his ACL injury last September | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
A deal for an immediate move is now in its final stages, and could be over the line in a matter of days.
"Hopefully it'll get sorted out over the weekend and Brandon will know where he stands, and hopefully he'll be here with us," said Bennett ahead of the Rabbitohs' clash with Brisbane on Friday.
"The deal's sorted, it's just the paperwork and getting all the ducks in order."
Smith has not featured at any level since injuring himself in the Roosters' upset loss to Canberra last September and is at least six weeks from being ready to return to play.
Asked whether he was confident in getting the best out of the 2020 premiership winner this season, Bennett was his blunt self.
"Probably not," the master coach said.
"He's had a major operation and rehab on his knee now. They take a little while to come back from.
"But I'm pleased he's coming here. If he comes here early it'll be great for us and he'll be ready to go with us next season."
Wayne Bennett says it's important to be patient as players return from ACL injuries | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Bennett says he'll be realistic in his expectations of Smith before then.
"I won't be pushing him too hard this year because I know the consequences of that with those knee injuries. He's got to get his confidence back and that'll take a little time," Bennett said.
Speaking to The Bye Round podcast earlier this week, Smith voiced his disappointment at the way his two-and-a-bit years at the Roosters have ended, claiming to have felt unwanted by the club.
Bennett is confident that won't be an issue at Souths.
"He'll be wanted here. We'll welcome him here with open arms," he said.
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