Trent Robinson breaks silence on Terrell May exit and Brandon Smith's future after gas explosion recovery

Key facts

• Trent Robinson and his wife Sandra were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital after a gas bottle explosion in the Hunter Valley in late October.
• Robinson told Terrell May two days before a Test against England that he was not part of the Roosters' future plans.
• May played every game for the Roosters in 2024 and was one of their best forwards before being released to join the Wests Tigers.
• Brandon Smith was informed in late October or early November that the club would not offer him a contract for 2026.
• The Roosters have signed Cowboys and Blues Origin hooker Reece Robson on a four-year deal starting in 2026.
• Chairman Nick Politis dismissed rumours that Robinson might leave for France at the end of the season as 'absolute rubbish'.
• The Roosters started the 2026 season with two heavy losses from three games, sparking discussion about pressure on Robinson.

A harrowing off-season and a difficult roster overhaul

Trent Robinson has broken his silence on a tumultuous off-season that saw him and his wife hospitalised by a gas explosion, and two key players told their futures lie away from the Sydney Roosters. The veteran coach, speaking on SEN radio on Thursday, addressed the decision to release prop Terrell May and the non-renewal of hooker Brandon Smith, while confirming he and Sandra have recovered from the burns they sustained in late October. Ambulances and a rescue helicopter attended the scene of the barbecue gas bottle explosion at a property in the Hunter Valley, dousing the couple in cold water before transferring them to John Hunter Hospital. Robinson was kept for several extra nights to monitor his lungs, while both were treated for burns to their arms.

The Terrell May decision: style, youth and timing

Robinson's choice to release May stunned the NRL world after the prop played every game for the Roosters in 2024 and was among their best forwards. The Samoa international hit out at the club this week, revealing he was told by Robinson two days before a Test against England that he was not part of the club's plans, and accused the Roosters of delaying the news until after the season to prevent him from joining a top club. Robinson acknowledged the apparent contradiction: 'It's a hard one when you say to someone there's no future for you here but you've played them in every game so that seems like it's a bit confusing for people.' He explained that the decision was driven by the development of younger forwards such as Siua Wong (21) and Naufahu Whyte (22), and a desire to play a style that differed from May's trajectory. 'I still think he can play at the highest level, but there was also space for some of the other guys that are yet to come through,' Robinson said.

Brandon Smith's response and the Reece Robson signing

The Roosters coach also praised the attitude of injured hooker Smith, who is off contract at the end of next season but has been told the club will not extend him. Smith, who is recovering from an ACL injury and expected to return midway through the 2025 season, took the news in stride. 'He was like, OK I understand but I can't wait to get ready to get back and get going for 2025,' Robinson recalled. The club has already secured a replacement, signing Cowboys and Blues Origin hooker Reece Robson on a four-year deal starting in 2026. Robinson described Robson as 'a tough 80-minute defensive hooker with beautiful service and a quick run,' adding that he fits the mould of the No.9 the Roosters have sought during their successful periods.

Rumours of a French exit quickly dismissed

Speculation that Robinson might cut short his tenure at the Roosters and move to France at the end of the season has been firmly shut down. The rumour, which journalist Brent Read said he had heard from three different people in the past fortnight, centred on Robinson's wife being French and the possibility of him coaching there at the end of his career. However, chairman Nick Politis told Read that the rumour was 'absolute rubbish, Robbo is going nowhere.' Robinson has guided the Roosters to three premierships since taking over in 2013, but the club has not won a title in seven years, leading to perceptions of underachievement given the talent on the roster.

Pressure mounts after slow start to 2026 season

The Roosters have begun the 2026 campaign with two heavy losses from three games, prompting discussion on NRL360 about Robinson's job security. Read noted that the greatest pressure on Robinson is self-imposed, but acknowledged that if the season deteriorates further, external pressure will follow. 'I don't think anyone is saying he's under pressure now, but if they lose to Manly on Thursday and go 1-3, it heats up a little bit,' Read said. Meanwhile, the controversial disruptor rule has again come under scrutiny after a try to Robert Toia was ruled out during the Roosters' clash with the Sharks in Perth, with Robinson reportedly making a plea to the NRL about the rule.

The bottom line

• Trent Robinson and his wife Sandra have recovered from burns sustained in a gas bottle explosion in late October that required hospitalisation and an airlift.
• Robinson released Terrell May despite May playing every game in 2024, citing a need to develop younger forwards and a stylistic mismatch.
• Brandon Smith was told in late October or early November that his contract would not be renewed for 2026; he responded with focus on his return from an ACL injury.
• The Roosters have signed Reece Robson on a four-year deal from 2026, signalling a clear succession plan at hooker.
• Chairman Nick Politis has dismissed rumours that Robinson will leave for France at the end of the season as unfounded.
• The Roosters' 1-2 start to the 2026 season has intensified scrutiny on Robinson, though he is not yet considered under serious pressure.