Wayne Bennett confirms desire to have Brandon Smith join South Sydney Rabbitohs

All is forgiven as Wayne Bennett accelerates his pursuit of out-of-favour Sydney Roosters star Brandon Smith.

Glowingly comparing Smith's work ethic to injured Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray, Bennett confirmed his plan to lure the classy hooker to South Sydney on Friday.

Off contract at the Roosters at season's end, Smith this week said he hoped Bennett had forgiven him from reneging on a verbal agreement to join the Dolphins in 2023.

The super coach says he absolutely has, telling AAP the 28-year-old would be a great addition to the club.

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"Well, I wanted him at the Dolphins and nothing's changed," Bennett said.

"I'd love to see him at South Sydney, so hopefully we can get to the negotiating table and get a deal.

"He's just 100 per cent. Like Cam Murray and those players, they just give their absolute best every time they get on the footy field.

"They don't always get it right, but you know that the one thing they're doing is just competing for everything and they're giving their best for the side."

Sidelined until June while recovering from a torn ACL, Smith could seek an early exit from the Roosters, who have signed NSW State of Origin hooker Reece Robson from North Queensland.

Asked if he was hoping the Rabbitohs could even snare Smith this year, Bennett said: ''I'm just hoping right now".

Bennett's endorsement for Smith comes on the eve of South Sydney's trip to Wollongong to face St George Illawarra and former Rabbitohs and Blues rake Damien Cook on Saturday.

The seven-time premiership-winning mentor has no doubt Cook and fellow Souths discard Lachlan Ilias will have points to prove against their old club.

Wayne Bennett is eager to lure Brandon Smith to the Rabbitohs after failing to get him during his Dolphins stint. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

"No doubt about that at all," Bennett said.

"I think the guys playing against them in their positions will have a point to prove as well so it equals itself out."

Youngster Jamie Humphreys will again wear the Rabbitohs No.7 jumper that Ilias used to own after Bennett again overlooked prized English recruit Lewis Dodd.

"He's not jumping out of the skin about it, but he understands it. Lewis's fate has always been in his hands," Bennett said.

"I didn't think he wouldn't be playing in the first game, but that's the way it's worked out, so Lewis can spend a bit of time in the state league and he's a talented player, he just needs a bit of confidence."

Humphreys was a stand-out in Souths' round-one win over the Dolphins, the 23-year-old impressing Bennett with his "calmness".

"He's a proficient football player and plays in a tough position," the veteran coach said.

"There's a lot of decisions to be made and I thought he handled that pretty well without getting flustered."

The Dragons are seeking their first win of the season after losing their opener last week to Canterbury.

AAP

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