South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith has confirmed he will re-sign with the club through to the end of 2028.
Already contracted for 2027, the new deal represents a one-year extension for Smith, who will now be unable to talk to rival clubs until at least November 1 next year.
It had been reported recently that he was well progressed in negotiations with the Maroubra-based outfit, which he joined in the middle of the 2025 season.
Smith, between injuries and an off-field alleged incident, hasn't had a smooth run at the Rabbitohs, but has now played 22 games for the club, with 17 of those coming this year.
The former Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters player said he has found a home at the Rabbitohs.
"Me and my partner have found a home here at the South Sydney Rabbitohs. I always wanted to play in these colours, and being able to do that for another couple of years makes me very happy," Smith said.
"I love this Club. I've grown to love it over the last two years I've been playing in this jersey, and I've grown to love the boys I'm playing with. This jersey means so much to me, so to be able to extend and keep playing in it is amazing.
"Wayne Bennett as a coach has allowed me to enjoy my football. Not just worrying about my performances, but walking in here every day with a smile on my face and enjoying the day. Becoming a leader amongst the squad and having responsibilities and roles to play - that counts.
"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone whose support has helped me along my journey so far. I'm so proud to be a Bunny. I'm so proud to wear red and green, and I can't wait to show up for you guys next year."
Smith, who played 107 games for the Storm between 2017 and 2022, and another 41 for the Roosters in 2023 and 2024, missed much of 2025 with injury, but has found a permanent spot in the Rabbitohs side this year, starting all but one of his games at dummy half.
While his defence has left him tackling short of 90 per cent, he has had a big say in the Rabbitohs' free-flowing attack, with quality service out of the ruck.
With the Rabbitohs set to let Peter Mamouzelos leave at the end of the season despite having an additional year to run on his deal, and the future of potential stop-gap dummy half Adam Elliott unclear, it leaves Smith and Bronson Garlick as the likely one-two punch at the hooker position next year.
Jamie Humphreys could also fill minutes there, with the utility who backflipped on the Perth Bears likely to re-sign.
Rabbitohs head of recruitment Mark Ellison praised Smith's energy.
“When Brandon is on the field, everyone can see the tempo of play lifts,” Ellison said.
“He is all energy and drives our team forward, whether he is playing as a dummy half or as a middle forward.
“Brandon has had his challenges, but he has made many changes to his life which have seen him become a better player and a better man, and he has demonstrated to us just how important Rugby League and the Rabbitohs are to him. He has great support off the field, and we love having him as part of our Club.
“We look forward to seeing what we can achieve as a Club over the next few seasons, and Brandon will play a key role in any success we can achieve.”
Smith is a likely selection in the New Zealand squad for the Rugby League World Cup given Phoenix Crossland's injury, and he should add to his 13 Tests for the Kiwis.
