‘No way’: Bunnies’ big stand-down call after Brandon Smith’s alleged drugs, betting charges

"They will NOT stand Smith down" | 03:05

Rabbitohs star Brandon Smith has been charged with one count of supply dangerous drugs and one count of using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting.

But the club will not stand him down from their final game of the season, according to News Corp.

Smith spoke with Queensland police after arriving on the Gold Coast ahead of South Sydney’s Round 23 clash and was released without charge.

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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.

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.

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It remains unclear what information Smith’s betting charges relate to while a police spokesperson released a statement.

“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 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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