Brandon Smith will remain at the South Sydney Rabbitohs through to the end of the 2028 NRL season after signing a one-year contract extension with the club.
The 30-year-old hooker was previously contracted until the end of 2027, meaning he was set to become eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 for the 2028 season.
However, The Daily Telegraph has revealed Smith has now put pen to paper on an extension that will keep him at the Rabbitohs for an additional season, removing him from the open market when the November 1 deadline arrives.
Smith's future at the club comes after a number of movements in recent years, with the hooker initially struggling to settle following his departure from the Melbourne Storm at the end of the 2022 season.
He joined the Sydney Roosters for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making 41 appearances for the Tricolours before suffering an ACL injury towards the end of his second campaign.
Smith subsequently made the move to South Sydney ahead of the 2025 season, returning from the serious knee injury as he began the next chapter of his career.
The hookers 2026 season was also disrupted by a calf injury, making only 17 appearances. Despite this, Rabbitohs remain committed to retaining him as part of their squad.
The decision to table an extension comes after a board meeting earlier this week in which a number of key contract decisions were made.
South Sydney increased its extension offer to veteran half Cody Walker from $300,000 to $400,000, while the club also made the decision to lock down David Fifita before rival clubs could make a move for the forward.
The Rabbitohs have also recently confirmed the retention of Tallis Duncan, with the young forward signing a three-year extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2030 season.
Smith's extension comes amid a different approach to the future of Latrell Mitchell, with the Rabbitohs remaining firm on their decision to wait and assess the star's fitness and value following the Rugby League World Cup and the upcoming pre-season.
The club is expected to revisit Mitchell's contract situation early next year, meaning he is still set to hit the open market on November 1.
Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton also appear set to join Mitchell among the Rabbitohs players who could negotiate with rival clubs for the 2028 season.
Smith, however, will no longer be among them after committing his future to South Sydney for another season.
