Brandon Smith‘s milestone 150th game was thrown a curveball after the Rabbitohs star was questioned by police upon his arrival to Queensland.
The mid-season recruit, who has been sidelined with a knee injury suffered in his first game for South Sydney, is slated to make his return on Sunday afternoon.
Smith flew with his teammates to Coolangatta the day before the game when he was called aside by Queensland Police, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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Brandon Smith of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Getty
“Queensland Police had cause to speak to a 29-year-old male at Coolangatta Airport. The male was later released without charge,” a statement from the authorities said.
“Police have no further information to provide.”
The reason why Smith was questioned is unclear at this stage. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing from that the New Zealand international.
Smith joined the Bunnies mid-way through the season after a well-publicised exit from cross-town rivals the Sydney Roosters.
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The 29-year-old was still recovering from an ACL injury when he signed with Souths and returned against Manly in round 18, before suffering a fresh knee injury.
It delayed the milestone appearance for Smith by more than a month. The hooker was presented his jersey by club legend Issac Luke.
Smith won’t be the only Rabbitohs star making their return for the must-win clash against the Titans, with marquee man Latrell Mitchell back on deck from a quad injury.
Souths sit on the bottom of the NRL ladder, but a win could lift them above Gold Coast.