NRL star Brandon Smith has been charged with dangerous drug supply, as well as using inside knowledge for betting, by police in Queensland.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker was questioned by officers at Gold Coast Airport earlier this month.
Police have now confirmed the 29-year-old Smith was charged last week – before taking to the field in Souths’ win over the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Thursday night – and is due to appear in court next month.
NRL star Brandon Smith has been charged with dangerous drug supply, as well as using inside knowledge for betting. (Getty)
“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 Queensland Police spokesperson said.
“The man is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on September 18.
“Investigations by detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, Taskforce Maxima, South Eastern Region, are continuing.”
In a statement, South Sydney said it was aware of the charges against Smith.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of allegations made by Queensland Police against player Brandon Smith,” a spokesperson for the club said.
“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.”
9news.com.au has contacted the NRL for comment.
After he was questioned at Gold Coast Airport, police had said there was no suggestion Smith had done anything wrong, although they did acknowledge the investigation was running.
Brandon Smith stayed tight-lipped after being questioned by police at Gold Coast Airport. (Nine)
“It was opportunistic for us,” Queensland Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy told 4BC radio on August 14.
“But we spoke to him, he cooperated with us and we have an ongoing police matter there.”
Smith has played 152 NRL games in a nine-year career for the Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters and Rabbitohs.
He won the 2020 premiership with the Storm and has represented New Zealand in more than a dozen rugby league internationals.
Injuries have limited him to just four games for Souths this season.