'Huge for me': Sam Walker's plea to Roosters bosses amid Brandon Smith contract saga

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker is hopeful Brandon Smith sees out the final year of his contract at the club, before moving to arch-rivals South Sydney in 2026.

The hooker officially put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs from next season, but the speculation has continued regarding an early switch.

Smith fell out of favour at Bondi towards the end of last year and was told by officials he wouldn't be earning an extension, with Reece Robson joining on a big-money contract.

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After being linked with numerous clubs, the 28-year-old opted to link up with legendary coach Wayne Bennett at Souths, despite the fierce feud between the two clubs.

Smith remains sidelined with a knee injury and his rehab buddy throughout the whole process has been Walker, who was asked if he wants to see the Kiwi international fulfil his commitments in the second-half of the campaign with the Chooks.

"Yeah of course," Walker told 9News Sydney.

"We're both going through the knee injury and to have someone there with you, going through it, it's huge for me. I know I probably wouldn't be as far ahead as I am without having that help and someone there that pushes you every single day.

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"It's obviously disappointing losing Brandon, but it's a great opportunity for him to continue his career. We're both still to come back from ACL injuries together at the moment and he's looking really good.

"The quality of footballer he is, fingers crossed we can both get back out there in June or July and we can push for the finals this year for the Roosters."

Smith first joined the Roosters in 2023, but has battled with both injury and form issues.

A former premiership winner at the Storm, many believe the larrikin utility forward will return to his best under the tutelage of Bennett.

Both stars are expected back midway through the year and will add some much-needed spark to Trent Robinson's side.