Canberra Looking Elsewhere for Hooker Reinforcements The Canberra Raiders have confirmed they will not be pursuing Sydney
Roosters hooker Brandon Smith, despite ongoing speculation about his future in the NRL. As the Raiders head into the 2025 season with only
Tom Starling and Danny Levi as their available hookers, the club has made it clear that Smith will not be a part of their recruitment plans.
Raiders CEO Don Furner recently responded to inquiries about Smith, stating, “No, we won’t be [responding to the email]. No, we’re not interested.”
Smith, who joined the Roosters from the Melbourne Storm at the end of 2022, has struggled to meet expectations at his new club. Despite achieving his goal of becoming a starting hooker, his performances have not reached the same level as his former Melbourne counterpart, Harry Grant.
The Raiders’ decision to pass on Smith may be influenced by several factors, including his significant ACL injury, which will see him miss at least the first half of the 2025 season. Additionally, the protracted nature of Smith’s previous contract negotiations, which saw the Dolphins miss out to the Roosters, may have also been a consideration.
Looking ahead, the Raiders are still in the market for a new hooker for the 2026 season. With both Starling and Levi off-contract at the end of 2025, Canberra could have the opportunity to reset its options at the position. Several quality dummy halves, including Jayden Brailey, Soni Luke, Reece Robson, and young talent Blake Mozer, are expected to be available.
Levi was also previously linked with an exit, though that move never materialized. The Raiders had reportedly canceled plans to sign English hooker Danny Walker due to what was described as an “outrageous” transfer fee.
As the Raiders look ahead, the future of the club’s number nine jumper is just one of several key issues for coach Ricky Stuart to address in the coming year. Alongside potential recruitment in the hooker position, Canberra will also need to consider the future of veteran prop Josh Papalii, who is set to retire, and the club option for halfback Jamal Fogarty in 2026.