South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith has been charged with allegedly supplying dangerous drugs and using inside knowledge for betting, Queensland Police confirmed on Monday.
The 29-year-old NRL star was questioned by police upon arriving in Queensland ahead of his team's 10 August clash with the Gold Coast Titans, but was released without charge at the time. He later played in the match.
Police issued Smith with a summons on 20 August over the two charges. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September. The investigation by detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, Taskforce Maxima, is ongoing.
South Sydney said they were aware of the allegations and had informed the NRL integrity unit. A club statement said: 'As this matter is part of a Queensland Police investigation, the Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage.'
Smith, a New Zealand international with 13 Test caps, won the 2020 NRL premiership with Melbourne and was named Dally M Hooker of the Year in 2021. He made a mid-season switch from the Sydney Roosters to Souths this year but has been limited to four games due to injury. He is contracted until the end of 2027.
