NRL star Brandon Smith has been charged by Queensland Police with drug and betting-related charges with South Sydney Rabbitohs now reacting.
Smith made a mid-season switch from Sydney Roosters to South Sydney Rabbitohs with his first game for the Bunnies coming on July 6th. According to The Daily Telegraph, who first reported the story, his Souths debut is one of the matches that has ‘sparked interest’.
The New Zealand international has been officially charged with one count of supply dangerous drugs and an “inside knowledge” betting offence, either using or disclosing it to others.
Smith’s charges were handed down after he was interviewed by Queensland police in Coolangatta shortly before Souths game against Gold Coast Titans on August 10th.
Released without charge at the time, he’s now seen these two major charges handed down to him a fortnight later with the NRL now having to firefight the drama given that one of their top players and off-field personalities is caught up in two serious charges.
NRL star Brandon Smith charged on two counts by Queensland police
As referenced above, Smith’s debut with Souths is reportedly one of the matches that has ‘sparked interest’ with the debutant initially listed as number 22 in the squad but being promoted to the 17-man matchday squad.
That marked his first game since September 1st 2024 following an anterior cruciate ligament injury but he would suffered another injury and made just his fourth appearance in Thursday’s 40-0 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.
That game was played on the 21st but Smith has been summoned to court on August 20th for the two charges he faces. A statement from Queensland Police Service has confirmed that ‘the man’, reported to be Smith, is “expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September”.
South Sydney Rabbitohs are not mandated to stand Smith down as currently the charges do not meet the NRL’s no fault stand-down policy, however, that can be overruled by the NRL.
In reaction to the news, Souths released the following statement: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of allegations made by Queensland Police against player Brandon Smith.
“The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the allegations.
“As this matter is part of a Queensland Police investigation, the Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage.”
