Rabbitohs re-sign Brandon Smith for the 2028 season

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extension of international forward Brandon Smith until at least the end of the 2028 season, today.

Smith, 30, has played 170 NRL matches so far throughout his career which started with the Melbourne Storm in 2017, going on to join the Rabbitohs during the 2025 season.

Smith, Rabbitohs first grade player number 1210, has played in two NRL Grand Finals with Melbourne, winning a premiership with the Storm in 2020. He won a World Club Challenge title in 2018, played 13 tests for the New Zealand Kiwis, and has won two Dally M positional awards throughout his career to date.

Smith’s utility value and high energy play in attack and defence are hallmarks of his game.

“When Brandon is on the field, everyone can see the tempo of play lifts,” Rabbitohs Head of Recruitment and Retention, Mark 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 says it was an easy decision for him to remain 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."