The National Rugby League (NRL) has confirmed that Brandon Smith, the South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker, will be permitted to play in the final round of the season despite facing serious drug-supply charges from Queensland Police. Smith plans to contest these charges in court, which have sent shockwaves through the league and particularly impacted his former team, the Sydney Roosters.
Smith is scheduled to appear at Southport Magistrates Court next month on allegations of supplying dangerous drugs. In addition to this, he faces separate accusations of disclosing insider information for betting purposes. The Rabbitohs have publicly supported the 29-year-old player, with Wayne Bennett, the team’s coach, affirming his intention to include Smith in the lineup against the Roosters on September 15, 2023.
An NRL spokesperson stated that the league does not consider the charges against Smith to warrant an immediate ban. “The NRL is not satisfied that the player has been charged with an offence that triggers the automatic application of the no-fault stand-down condition,” the spokesperson said. They further clarified that the league will not impose a stand-down condition under its discretionary powers.
The situation escalated earlier this month when Smith was questioned by police upon his arrival on the Gold Coast before a game. He was subsequently released without any charges at that time. According to a statement from South Sydney, Smith’s legal counsel, Paul McGirr, indicated that Smith was not in Queensland when the alleged incident occurred, suggesting that the matter will be contested vigorously.
Reports indicate that the allegations against Smith involve an attempt to supply drugs to a player from the Roosters during a golf trip in June, shortly after Smith left the club. Victor Radley, a prominent player for the Roosters, is believed to be named in the summons. He and several other teammates were on this trip at the time, including Chad Townsend, James Tedesco, and others, but there are no indications of wrongdoing by them.
The Roosters have maintained a strict stance against drug use in sports. Chairman Nick Politis has previously expressed a zero-tolerance policy, stating, “Our stance is zero tolerance. We are very strong on it.” This approach underscores the seriousness with which the club addresses any allegations related to drug use among its players.
Smith’s additional charge regarding insider information is believed to pertain to his recent return from an ACL injury sustained last month against the Manly Sea Eagles. During this comeback, he was initially listed on an extended bench before being named as the starting hooker, illustrating the complexities surrounding his current situation.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for their next match, the focus remains on Smith and the unfolding legal challenges he faces. The NRL, while allowing him to participate, has stated that they will refrain from further comments as long as the matter is before the Queensland courts, highlighting the ongoing nature of this high-profile case within Australian rugby league.
