'I was going down a dark road': Brandon Smith opens up on off-field issues after Rabbitohs' trial win
After South Sydney's trial win, Brandon Smith opened up on the hard work he's done mentally over the off-season after a rehab stint following personal issues.
Smith had a tumultuous 2025 which started with him recovering from an injury before he was signed by South Sydney for the following season.
The representative star was eventually released by the Roosters before another bombshell dropped when he was charged by Queensland Police in August for drug and gambling charges. Smith faced court in September.
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Over the off-season, Smith revealed he has been alcohol-free and checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic. He also attends Alcoholic and Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
The South Sydney star featured in the Rabbitohs' 30-6 win over Manly to end the pre-season challenge and was candid with Fox League about his recovery.
"Mentally I've worked really hard ... I've done a lot of focusing on myself over the off-season and [I've been] enjoying the pre-season," he said.
Brandon Smith speaks after the trial. Fox League
"I've had tremendous support from this organisation of the Bunnies and Wayne (Bennett) and (football manager) Jason Clark and Blake (Solly) our CEO, they've been so bloody good to me and I'm very blessed that I've joined this club because I was going down a dark road and thankfully I'm on the way out. It's still early days for me.
"I'm just looking forward to enjoying my life, enjoying my football and this club has helped me so much because every day I come in, I'm so happy. Wayne creates a great environment and I'm blessed to be part of it."
Brandon Smith passes out of hooker. NRL Imagery
Smith went on to single out his teammate Cameron Murray for praise, despite the near two-year age gap between them.
"You've got people like Cam Murray, who's an absolute leader and a role model for me, even though I'm older than him," he said.
"Just in the way he performs, in the way he acts every day but at the same time can have a laugh and have a joke.
"I just think I've found the right spot. I probably didn't play the best game today but I played how I wanted to, I wanted to get through the game injury-free, I wanted to feel all right ... we got a good win, and I'm very grateful."
