Contrite Brandon Rooster bound
BRANDON Smith has told Melbourne he will depart at the end of 2022 but the club says he is committed to the upcoming season.
The Storm confirmed it had received written confirmation of Smith’s decision on Tuesday morning. He will join the Sydney Roosters in 2023.
Chief executive Justin Rodski also said that recent comments made by Smith on a podcast about the club’s culture had offended current and former players, coaches, staff and board members.
Smith apologised for the comments on Tuesday, although he insisted he would continue to be himself regardless of the backlash.
“Recent comments made by Brandon in a podcast, and the way he expressed them, do not align with Storm’s values and the way we operate as a club,” Rodski said. “The statements have deeply offended current and former players, coaches, staff and board members, and the club strongly rejects the comments made about the Storm culture.
“We acknowledge Brandon’s apology made on social media and his willingness now to prepare for the 2022 season with Storm.”
Smith was courted by the Roosters and also spoke to the Dolphins, North Queensland and the Gold Coast.
While the Storm was disappointed to lose Smith, it was most dismayed by his comments on the YKTR podcast at the weekend.
Smith littered his conversation with YKTR founder Isaac John with colourful and explicit language. He also claimed the Storm had a massive drinking culture.
His comments are under review and the expectation is he will be fined by the NRL..
“One thing I pride myself on is being myself and regardless of backlash I will continue to do so,” Smith said.
“That being said, I do acknowledge and want to apologise for how some of the comments have been received, specifically to the Melbourne Storm. It was never my intent to disrespect or come across as ungrateful to the club that has done so much for me and my family.
“And that goes for my coaches, members, staff and most of all my teammates. I speak from the heart – for better or worse sometimes – and I’m sorry if anyone was hurt by my words.
“But they are my words. I specifically also want to address the media honing in on my comments around the Storm culture, and it being framed as a ‘drinking culture’.
“These comments have been taken way out of context and I emplore (sic) anyone interested in the matter to please watch the interview in its entirety before jumping to conclusions.”