Kiwi International and premiership-winner Brandon Smith will face court in September on a “drug supply” charge while a second charge will allege the new South Sydney Rabbitohs player shared inside information on his Souths debut earlier this season after transferring from the Sydney Roosters.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a man known to Smith told the utility forward he was placing a bet on the Kiwi as an “anytime try scorer” in his Rabbitohs debut when Smith told him he was starting the game.
The association then proceeded to play a “first try scorer” bet on him.
Queensland Police approached Smith recently at Gold Coast Airport for an informal conversation.
“A 29-year-old man has been issued with a Summons by Queensland Police on August 20 for supplying dangerous drugs and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting,” a spokesman said.
“The man is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September.”
Smith has not been stood down yet by the Rabbits.
“The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the allegation,” the club said in a statement.
“In respect to the matter at hand, through his solicitor Paul McGirr, the Club understands that Brandon was not physically in the jurisdiction of Queensland when this matter was alleged to have occurred, and therefore, we are instructed that the matter will be contested.
“As this matter is before the court, the Club cannot, and will not, be making any further comment at this stage, in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation and process.”
The Rabbitohs have the bye this weekend.
Asked for comment regarding the matter on Tuesday, Souths coach Wayne Bennett said the club would stick by the embattled star.
