The Sydney Roosters have been caught up in Brandon Smith‘s upcoming court case after he was charged with dangerous drug supply to a former teammate and using inside knowledge for betting.
Queensland police laid the charges, issuing the Rabbitohs star with a summons to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on September 18.
On Nine’s 100% Footy, 9News and The Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas revealed the drug charge relates to his time at the Roosters and allegedly implicates former teammate Victor Radley.
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Brandon Smith and Victor Radley during their time together at the Roosters. Cameron Spencer via Getty Images
“The issue is back to June 7 … the police were investigating a person of interest in regards to drug supply and Brandon Smith’s name came up in their phone,” reported Chammas.
“They also found that Brandon Smith was allegedly trying to buy illicit drugs for Roosters teammates while they were in the Sunshine Coast on June 7 during the bye round.
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“It’s my understanding there were up to at least seven players on a golf trip that weekend in the Sunshine Coast.”
Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing police investigation, told the Herald that Smith had allegedly reached out to a drug dealer to supply Radley with an illicit substance.
According to the Herald, Queensland Police allege that Smith unlawfully supplied a dangerous drug (cocaine) to Radley on June 7 while he was in the town of Currimundi. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Radley’s part.
The Herald contacted Roosters officials on Monday night, who admitted they were taking the matter seriously. The club declined to comment until they had spoken to all the relevant parties and were given all the information.
The alleged betting offences reportedly relate to Smith’s first game back with the Rabbitohs in round 18, in which he is alleged to have provided team selection information to the alleged drug dealer.
In a statement to 100% Footy, Souths confirmed the club is not standing down Smith and stressed he didn’t bet on a match, adding that there are no allegations of cheating or corruption.
Nine’s Danny Weidler reported on the show that Smith had also owed Roosters teammates thousands of dollars, which were repaid.
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The Roosters had also appointed a mentor for Smith.
Former teammate and captain Cameron Smith confirmed he’d known the 29-year-old enjoyed gambling, but not to the extent of what is being alleged.
“I was aware of Brandon having the odd punt on horse races … but nothing to the depths of what we’re hearing at the moment,” he said.
“He seemed as though he had his life in order at the time I spent with him at the Melbourne Storm, so it’s [all] pretty unfortunate.”
