Sydney Roosters confirm signing of New Zealand star Brandon Smith
Sydney Roosters have signed hooker Brandon Smith on a three-year contract from Melbourne Storm from 2023.
The 25-year-old has made 86 NRL appearances since making his first team debut with Melbourne in 2017. He helped Storm clinch the NRL Premiership in 2020.
Smith has won seven caps for his native New Zealand and will be hoping to play in his first World Cup next year. He has also represented the Maori All Stars twice.
Roosters delighted to secure signature of Brandon Smith
Daniel Anderson, Roosters head of recruitment and junior player development, said: “We’re excited to announce the signing of Brandon to a three-year arrangement and look forward to welcoming him to the club in 2023.”
Waiheke Island-born Smith also won the World Club Challenge with the Storm in 2018.
Elsewhere in the NRL: Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins make treble signing
The Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club, have made three new signings ahead of the 2023 season.
Wayne Bennett’s side have signed Michael Roberts, Harrison Graham and Valynce Te Whare ahead of their inaugural campaign.
Half-back Roberts is an Australian Schoolboys representative and is the youngster brother of Wests Tigers star James Roberts. He is also the nephew of former Wigan speedster Amos Roberts.
Hooker Graham has represented Queensland at Under-18s level and played for the Wynnum Seagulls in 2021. Roberts and Graham will be on development contracts with the Dolphins.
New Zealand rugby union player Te Whare will join the club’s senior squad. He has been playing for Waikato since making his first team debut in New Zealand’s provincial rugby union championship.
Club chief executive Terry Reader said: “Since the Dolphins’ recruitment team first came together to discuss players, we have always been of the view that squad members 21 to 30 are just as important as players one to 10.
“These three young players have been recruited from different backgrounds and different competitions – this underlines that we are doing extensive recruitment to build a balanced and talented roster for our entry to the 2023 NRL competition.
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“It also adds to the work we are already doing with junior development to ensure the future of the Dolphins, including a junior Dolphins NRL academy camp we held this week.
“That group of young players will always hold a place in history as attendees at the first ever Junior Dolphins’ NRL training camp.”
READ MORE: Super League ins and outs for 2022: Signings and departures club-by-club