EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater tips Roosters to offload Brandon Smith during 2025 season for 'compensation'

Billy Slater believes unwanted Roosters hooker Brandon Smith could leave before his contract expires and sign with a rival club mid-way through 2025.

Smith is sidelined due to a knee injury and isn't expected back until at least June, but has already been told by Roosters officials that he won't be re-signed for next year after they managed to land State of Origin star Reece Robson.

The dummy-half has been linked with a move to arch-rivals South Sydney, but at this stage nothing has been made official regarding Smith's long-term future.

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However, in the short-term, Slater feels his former Storm teammate could provide a "huge boost" to a team looking for some X-factor heading into the finals.

"Obviously with the signing of Reece Robson for next year, the writing is on the wall for Brandon," the Queensland coach said on Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast.

"It wouldn't surprise me if a club came in and offered the Roosters some sort of compensation for Brandon this year. I don't know where the Roosters are gonna be in July, they might want to free up a little bit of cap space.

"Brandon Smith could be a handy pick-up at the end of this year for a team that's fighting for a top-eight spot or a premiership. Brandon is already a premiership player and knows how to get it done at that time of the year.

"For him to pop into a team that's fighting for a premiership would be a huge boost."

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The 28-year-old has struggled with both form and injury issues since arriving at Bondi, but on his day remains a dangerous player on both sides of the ball.

Slater also sympathised with the Kiwi international, who is juggling both his injury rehab as well as a very public contract saga.

"It must be a really interesting feeling," Slater said.

"[He is] coming off the back of a knee reconstruction and that's a challenge in itself, but mentally preparing to play for a club that has told you that they don't want you.

"That must be a really tough situation for a player and Brandon is going through that.

"Not only is he trying to get over his injury and get back to playing for the Roosters, he's potentially looking for another club for next year.

"I think the sooner that gets sorted, it helps with the mindset of just playing footy."