NRL Star Brandon Smith Faces Drug, Betting Charges Amid Courtroom Misconduct and Reporter Altercation

NRL Star Brandon Smith Faces Court Amid Media Scuffle and Charges
By Robyn Wuth and Shayne Bugden | Updated: 03:45 BST, 18 September 2025

South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith, 29, appeared at Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday to address charges of allegedly supplying a dangerous drug and using insider information for betting. Magistrate Deborah Mitchell granted Smith bail under strict conditions, including prohibitions on contacting Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley or an accused drug dealer. Smith’s lawyer, Paul McGirr, confirmed his client intends to plead not guilty.

Media Frenzy Turns Physical
The hearing concluded with a chaotic scene outside the courthouse, where journalist Lauren Forbes of Sky News Australia was accidentally struck in the chest by a man accompanying Smith. The incident occurred as the NRL player pushed through a media scrum to enter a waiting Toyota Kluger. Smith remained silent amid shouted questions from reporters.

Alleged Courtroom Violation
Smith also faces accusations of taking an illegal photograph with a woman while signing bail papers inside the courtroom—a breach of Queensland’s strict prohibitions on photography in legal settings. His lawyer, Adam Moschella, declined to comment on the allegation.

Chrootes and Police Investigation
The charges stem from an August 9 police operation at Gold Coast Airport, where officers seized Smith’s phone. Initially questioned but released in time to play against the Titans the next day, he was formally charged weeks later. Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy praised Smith’s cooperation during the investigation.

NRL’s Response and Radley Connection
Despite the charges, the NRL permitted Smith to play in South Sydney’s final regular-season game. Text messages between Smith and former teammate Victor Radley surfaced during the probe, though Radley faces no allegations. Smith’s bail conditions explicitly bar communication with the Roosters lock.

Next Steps
Smith is scheduled to return to court on October 9. The Rabbitohs have yet to comment on his future with the team as the legal process unfolds.

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(Images: Getty, Daily Mail Australia)

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