The NRL Integrity Unit has requested an explanation from South Sydney after star recruit Brandon Smith was stopped and spoken to by Queensland police when he arrived at Coolangatta airport ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Gold Coast.
Smith flew to the Gold Coast with the Rabbitohs squad on Saturday afternoon and upon arrival, was met by officers at the airport.
Queensland Police confirmed the interaction, saying in a media statement issued on Sunday that: “Queensland Police had cause to speak to a 29-year-old male at Coolangatta Airport. The male was later released without charge. Police have no further information to provide”.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly declined to comment on the matter. The NRL Integrity Unit has been alerted to the situation and has requested more information from South Sydney.
Smith’s New Zealand-based agent Stan Martin could not be immediately reached for comment.
The 29-year-old played 58 minutes in South Sydney’s 20-18 victory over the Titans on his return from a knee injury suffered in his first game for the club.
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Former Rabbitohs and New Zealand hooker Issac Luke presented Smith with his jersey in the lead-up to the clash, which was Smith’s 150th game. The victory saw Souths leapfrog the Titans, who are now bottom of the ladder and look set to end the season with the wooden spoon.
The Titans worked with stadium staff to ensure Smith was not bounced by camera crews on his arrival with the side on the team bus hours before kick-off.
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