Brandon Smith Slams Door on Cowboys Move, Vows to Fight for Roosters Future Amid Injury Setback

Sydney Roosters hooker Brandon Smith has ruled out a potential move to the North Queensland Cowboys, squashing speculation about his future beyond the 2025 NRL season. The New Zealand international, currently sidelined with an ACL injury, is set to miss the first half of the 2025 campaign and has been under pressure to deliver on the promise that secured his move to the Roosters.

With his contract expiring at the end of 2025, Smith has been free to negotiate with other clubs since November 1. While the Roosters have been linked with North Queensland’s State of Origin hooker Reece Robson, Smith has dismissed any notion of heading to Townsville.

Speaking on *The Bye Round Podcast* with James Graham, Smith made it clear that the Cowboys are not in his plans. “There’s a few clubs we’ve spoken to, and Cowboys wasn’t one of them,” he said. “I still want to be at the Roosters, still want to be around Sydney, still want to be on *The Bye Round Podcast,* and don’t want to be in Townsville in this blistering heat. To be fair, they can’t force me to go there.”

Smith emphasized his focus on staying in Sydney and fighting for his spot at the Roosters. However, his injury complicates matters, with the Roosters likely needing to make long-term decisions before Smith returns to the field. Despite rumors swirling about Robson’s potential arrival, Smith insists his goal remains to contribute to the Roosters’ success once he recovers.

The next few months could be pivotal for both Smith and the Roosters, as they navigate his recovery and plan for their future roster.