In a poignant public appearance, Sydney Roosters enforcer Victor Radley has been photographed cradling his newborn son for the first time, just days after being slapped with a crushing six-week suspension by the NRL for cocaine use.
The emotional family moment offers a stark contrast to the turmoil engulfing the footballer's career, as he and teammate Brandon Smith face the consequences of a night out that spiralled into scandal.
A Costly Night Out
The NRL's integrity unit handed down the severe punishment after Radley and Smith were identified using a prohibited substance following their team's season-ending defeat to rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs. The ban, one of the longest for drug use in recent league history, will see both players miss the start of the crucial 2025 season, dealing a significant blow to the Roosters' premiership ambitions.
Victor Radley's suspension is particularly damaging, ruling him out of the first six matches next year. Brandon Smith received a marginally lighter three-match ban for his involvement in the incident.
Family First Amid Fallout
The candid photos capture a softer side to the notoriously hard-hitting player, known as 'Victor the Inflictor'. Radley was seen tenderly holding his infant son, whose birth he had quietly announced just weeks prior to the scandal breaking. The images show a doting father, a narrative far removed from the headlines that have dominated his recent press.
This personal milestone occurs amidst the toughest period of Radley's professional life. The ban not only impacts his club but also represents a major setback for a player considered to be among the league's most formidable talents.
Club and Code Reaction
The Sydney Roosters have yet to make an official public statement beyond acknowledging the NRL's findings. However, insiders suggest the club is deeply disappointed, particularly given Radley's leadership role within the squad.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo emphasised the league's zero-tolerance approach, stating: 'All players are well aware of their responsibilities under the code's policies. There is no excuse for compromising the integrity of the game.'
The sanctions serve as a stern warning to all players about the serious consequences of off-field misconduct, reinforcing the sport's ongoing battle against illicit drug use.
