'Every one of my mates rang': Brandon Smith speaks out on 'rumour' linking him to Parramatta move
Brandon Smith insists he has not personally held conversations with the Parramatta Eels as speculation runs rife over his future in the NRL.
Smith is entering the final year of his deal under a cloud of uncertainty as he continues to rehabilitate an ACL injury and begin his search for new club colours.
Having struggled to find consistency last season, it was reported Smith is on the outer with the Roosters and unlikely to receive a contract extension beyond 2025.
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With the confirmed arrival of NSW Blues star Reece Robson in 2026, Smith has been linked to an immediate move to the Eels.
But the speculated switch was one the 28-year-old himself was unaware of.
"This Parramatta rumour went around for all of my family members, every one of my mates rang," Smith said on The Bye Round podcast.
Brandon Smith scores a try against the Newcastle Knights. Getty
"I have not spoken to them at all.
"I don't even know if my manager has.
"I haven't had any negotiations but there's definitely talks going... there's definitely talks happening behind the scenes but not involving me."
The off-contract hooker refused to rule out a potential move to Parramatta but noted the claim that a transfer was in the works was made by a club fan page.
"I think it was like a Parramatta fan page (that) said, 'It's official'," Smith said.
"The Parramatta fan army - now everything they say is reputable."
Brandon Smith celebrates scoring a try with team mates. Getty
Smith revealed he hopes to have confirmation on his future sorted by May but remains unsure of where he will end up playing.
"We will see what happens," he said.
"You never know who might come... Tom Brady might want me at the NFL."
James Graham, champion former prop and host of the podcast, suggested a potential move to the Eels could be beneficial for Smith.
"It's funny you can draw those links because it's pretty easy," Graham added.
"You go, he worked with (coach) Jason Ryles, you could make a case that Parramatta need a number nine. It's like 'Oh, that's where he'll go'.
"Sometimes it pays to toss stuff out there and connect the dots, sometimes it doesn't."
