Sharks legend Paul Gallen has weighed in on the Brandon Smith saga, defending the Melbourne Storm star amid accusations of disrespect.

The Storm hooker revealed on a obscenity-laded podcast that he will be signing with the Roosters in 2023, while criticising his current club.

Gal told Mark Levy whilst Smith’s choice of words were poor, his outspokenness is worth celebrating where many NRL stars are heavily media-coached.

“You’ve got a bloke who … says what he thinks, and we all want to tear him down for it.

“I don’t want to bring him down for it.

“We need more guys that are willing to wear their heart on their sleeve.”

Press PLAY below to hear Gal’s comments in full