Fresh details of exactly what’s behind Brandon Smith’s charges of supplying dangerous drugs and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting have emerged.
Nine’s Michael Chammas reported the investigation dates back to his time at the Sydney Roosters earlier this year, with allegations Smith attempted to buy drugs for his teammates while on a golf trip.
The betting allegation then relates to claims Smith provided details of his first game at the Rabbitohs and the team line-up, including the role of Latrell Mitchell, to a drug dealer. Police allege that information was then used by the dealer to place bets.
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Smith will reportedly plead not guilty to the charges.
Despite the charges the Rabbitohs will not stand Smith down from their final game of the season, according to News Corp.
“The issue is back to June 7 when Brandon Smith was still contracted at the Sydney Roosters. The police were investigating a person of interest in regards to drug supply and Brandon Smith’s name came up in their phone,” Chammas said on 100% Footy.
“They also found that Brandon Smith was allegedly trying to buy illicit drugs for Roosters teammates while they were on the Sunshine Coast on June 7 during the bye. It’s my understanding there were at least seven players on a golf trip that weekend on the Sunshine Coast, and there’s one player named in those allegations that will be presented to the court on September 18.
“So it could have wide-ranging implications for Brandon Smith, the NRL and the Roosters after that bench warrant was issued today.”
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The betting offences are allegedly “in relation to Brandon Smith’s first game back in the NRL with the Rabbitohs this year”, Chammas said.
“The allegations are he provided an alleged target, the drug dealer in question, with details in regards to the team line-up, in relation to his involvement in the team, and Latrell Mitchell’s potential involvement with South Sydney that weekend.
“The allegations are that was used to provide information and betting for the person he provided that information for.
“A couple of interesting elements to this; it’s my understanding Brandon Smith will still play this weekend and he will plead not guilty to these charges.”
Smith spoke with Queensland police after arriving on the Gold Coast ahead of South Sydney’s Round 23 clash and was released without charge.
Yet according to CODE Sports, the police’s discussions with Smith were apart of a wider investigation which has resulted in two charges being handed down.
The NRL integrity unit was reportedly notified by the Rabbitohs Smith had been handed the charges.
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The charges do not meet the NRL’s automatic no-fault stand-down policy but News Corp relayed comments from the Rabbitohs that there was “no way” they would choose to stand Smith down themselves from their looming clash with the Roosters.
The NRL can still make its own decision to rule him out.
“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 police spokesman said.
“The man is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September.
“Investigations by detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, Taskforce Maxima, South Eastern Region are continuing.”
Following Smith’s airport police interview, Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy explained the reason behind the conversation.
“We chatted to him about a number of things and then he was able to go on and play football,” he said.
“Brandon was very co-operative with us and he was able to go on and play a good game of football from what I saw.”
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The Rabbitohs also released a statement after the news of Smith’s charges emerged.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of allegations made by Queensland Police against player Brandon Smith,” the statement read.
“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.”
Smith made a mid-season switch from the Roosters to the Rabbitohs earlier this season.
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