{"id":408543,"date":"2026-05-02T15:33:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T15:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/408543\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T15:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T15:33:12","slug":"brandon-smiths-injury-return-timeline-revealed-replacement-named","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/408543\/","title":{"rendered":"Brandon Smith’s injury return timeline revealed, replacement named"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brandon Smith’s horror run with injuries continues, with a timeline being set on his calf injury in South Sydney Rabbitohs’ win against the Melbourne Storm<\/a> on Anzac Day last week.<\/p>\n

Smith was strong in his two performances against the Raiders and the Dragons in his return fortnight after coming back from another preseason calf injury.<\/p>\n

Although ESPN is reporting that he will miss a month on the sidelines after coming off the field prematurely last Saturday.<\/p>\n

It is the same calf that kept him out of action for multiple weeks in the preseason, with coach Wayne Bennett<\/a> giving an update on the Kiwi international.<\/p>\n

“He’s pretty disappointed, to be honest with you, he’s out for another month,” Bennett told the media on Saturday.<\/p>\n

“He loves to play and he brings a lot to the team. But we all have our disappointments so he’s got to handle it.”<\/p>\n

Adam Elliot will replace him after he was also working through a lingering calf problem throughout the early weeks of the season.<\/p>\n

He joined South Sydney after an injury-riddled year hampered his ability to play consistently for the Newcastle Knights<\/a> in 2025.<\/p>\n

He made a move to the Rabbitohs on a one-year deal to bolster their forward pack, and will get his chance to prove himself back in the NRL<\/a> for the first time since round 12 last year.<\/p>\n

“He kept ringing me … He wanted to be here, so I’m happy for him to be. He’s been very good,” Bennett said.<\/p>\n

“Adam hasn’t played for the latter period of last year and we’re seven or eight weeks into the season and he’s getting his first game.<\/p>\n

“I admire them (players) for how they persevere and want to be back and playing with their teammates.”<\/p>\n

The Rabbitohs will make the trip up the motorway to face the Knights on Sunday, who are welcoming Kalyn Ponga<\/a> and Bradman Best<\/a> back from injury.<\/p>\n

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