Andrew Johns has expressed confusion over the perceived double standards involved in NRL player movements, particularly surrounding the recent departures of players from their clubs. This year has been marked by numerous contract disputes, with Lachlan Galvin’s decision to leave the Wests Tigers drawing significant backlash from fans. In contrast, reports have emerged indicating that the Sydney Roosters are encouraging Brandon Smith and Dom Young to leave their contracts early without facing similar negative reactions.
During a discussion on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, Johns pointed out the contrasting uproar surrounding Galvin’s exit compared to the relative silence over the Roosters’ actions. He remarked on the irony and inconsistency in the situation, suggesting that while individual players receive heavy scrutiny for wanting to leave, clubs initiating player departures do not encounter the same level of public outcry.
Dom Young, who still has over two years remaining on his contract with the Roosters, has been informed he can seek opportunities with rival clubs. Speculation suggests that he will likely return to the Newcastle Knights, a move that Johns believes would benefit all parties involved. He noted Young’s struggles this season, both in terms of performance and confidence, attributing his decreased playing time to the emergence of other players on the Roosters’ roster.
Johns also indicated that Brandon Smith is likely to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs, despite the Roosters’ initial desire for him to fulfill his contract until 2025. He believes Souths would be an ideal fit for Smith, particularly under the guidance of coach Wayne Bennett, known for his ability to connect with players who exhibit less conventional behaviour. Johns hopes Smith can recapture the form he displayed during his time at Melbourne.
The controversy surrounding teenage playmaker Galvin intensified when he declined a lucrative contract extension with the Tigers, raising tensions within the team. Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, reports indicated that tension with teammates could lead him to leave sooner.
Overall, Johns’s comments highlight a frustrating inconsistency in how player movements are perceived in the NRL, pointing to the need for a more balanced approach to the scrutiny faced by players and clubs alike.