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

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

Off contract on the Roosters at season’s finish, Smith this week mentioned he hoped Bennett had forgiven him from reneging on a verbal settlement to affix the Dolphins in 2023.

The tremendous coach says he completely has, telling AAP the 28-year-old could be an amazing addition to the membership.

“Nicely, I needed him on the Dolphins and nothing’s modified,” Bennett mentioned.

“I might like to see him at South Sydney, so hopefully we will get to the negotiating desk and get a deal.

“He is simply 100 per cent. Like Cam Murray and people gamers, they simply give their very best each time they get on the footy discipline.

“They do not at all times get it proper, however you recognize that the one factor they’re doing is simply competing for all the things they usually’re giving their finest for the aspect.”

Sidelined till June whereas recovering from a torn ACL, Smith may search an early exit from the Roosters, who’ve signed NSW State of Origin hooker Reece Robson from North Queensland.

Requested if he hoped the Rabbitohs may even snare Smith this 12 months, Bennett mentioned: ”I am simply hoping proper now”.

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

The seven-time premiership-winning mentor has little doubt Cook dinner and fellow Souths discard Lachlan Ilias could have factors to show towards their previous membership.

“Little question about that in any respect,” Bennett mentioned.

“I believe the blokes taking part in towards them of their positions could have a degree to show as effectively so it equals itself out.”

Teen Jamie Humphreys will once more put on the Rabbitohs No.7 jumper that Ilias used to personal after Bennett once more neglected prized English recruit Lewis Dodd.

“He is not leaping out of the pores and skin about it, however he understands it. Lewis’s destiny has at all times been in his arms,” Bennett mentioned.

“I did not assume he would not be taking part in within the first recreation, however that is the best way it is labored out, so Lewis can spend a little bit of time within the state league and he is a gifted participant, he simply wants a little bit of confidence.”

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

“He is a proficient soccer participant and performs in a troublesome place,” the veteran coach mentioned.

“There’s a variety of choices to be made and I believed he dealt with that fairly effectively with out getting flustered.”

The Dragons are searching for their first win of the season after shedding their opener final week to Canterbury.

AAP