Brandon Smith, the South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker, is currently awaiting police evidence as he contests allegations related to drug supply and insider betting. Smith is accused of unlawfully providing cocaine to fellow NRL player Victor Radley during an incident on June 7 at Currimundi, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Smith did not appear in Southport Magistrates Court for the mention of his case on Thursday.
The charges against Smith emerged following a police investigation that uncovered text messages allegedly exchanged between him and Radley. Although Radley has not been charged with any offence, he has withdrawn from representing England in the upcoming Rugby League Ashes series due to the implications of this scandal. Radley was slated to participate in a three-Test series against the Kangaroos starting on October 25, 2023, at Wembley Stadium.
In addition to the withdrawal, the Sydney Roosters have imposed a substantial ten-match ban on Radley without pay. He is also required to make a donation of $30,000 to St Vincent’s Hospital for cancer research as part of the disciplinary measures taken against him.
As Smith continues to fight to clear his name, he is currently prohibited from any contact with Radley. His legal representative, leading Sydney lawyer Pat McGirr, stated, “We are awaiting the brief of evidence that the Queensland Police rely on to establish the charges.” The court has mandated that this evidence be delivered to Smith’s defence by November 13, 2023.
Smith faces joint charges of supplying cocaine alongside Joshua Geoffrey Peter Bainbridge, aged 34. The court has also ordered no contact between the two individuals. In a related matter, Smith is charged with disclosing inside knowledge regarding the Rabbitohs’ lineup ahead of his return from injury on July 2, which allegedly influenced Bainbridge to place a bet on the game.
The ongoing legal situation stems from a police investigation initiated after Smith’s phone was seized at Gold Coast Airport. He was questioned upon arriving in Queensland for a match against the Gold Coast Titans on August 10, 2023. Despite being questioned, Smith was released without charge and went on to play against the Titans.
The allegations against Smith are being pursued by Taskforce Maxima, a specialized unit targeting criminal gang activity throughout Queensland. The case is set for another mention on December 4, 2023, where Smith’s appearance will again be excused. As developments continue, the focus remains on the implications of these serious charges for both Smith and Radley, as well as their respective teams in the NRL.
