Police have withdrawn the case accusing the South Sydney Rabbitohs player of sharing inside information for a bet. A separate drug charge involving former teammate Victor Radley remains before the court
Police have withdrawn the betting-related charge against NRL star Brandon Smith.
The 30-year-old South Sydney Rabbitohs player appeared in person at Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the decision was formally confirmed.
Smith had been due to face a hearing on one count of disclosing inside information for betting purposes, following allegations that he provided a friend with information used to place a bet.
Police withdrew that charge on Thursday.
Smith’s lawyers are expected to make submissions regarding legal costs.
Cocaine supply charge remains
The withdrawal of the betting allegation does not bring the broader legal matter to an end.
Smith still faces one count of supplying a dangerous drug over allegations that he provided cocaine to former teammate Victor Radley.
That matter will be heard at a later date.
The allegation remains unproven, and Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless convicted by a court.
Charges followed airport questioning
The charges were laid in August last year after Smith was stopped and questioned by police at Gold Coast Airport.
He and his South Sydney teammates had arrived in Queensland ahead of a match against the Gold Coast Titans.
The police investigation led to two separate allegations: the betting information charge, which has now been withdrawn, and the drug supply charge, which remains active.
NRL Integrity Unit informed
A South Sydney Rabbitohs spokesperson said the club had informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the outcome of Thursday’s proceedings.
The Integrity Unit handles matters involving player conduct, competition integrity and the reputation of the league.
It is not yet clear whether the NRL will take any further action following the withdrawal of the betting charge or wait until the drug matter has been finalised.
Two separate legal issues
The withdrawal of one charge has no automatic effect on the other.
Smith will no longer face the planned hearing over the alleged disclosure of betting information.
However, the cocaine supply allegation will proceed separately and must still be considered by the court.
Thursday’s decision is therefore a significant legal development for the Rabbitohs player, but it does not end the case entirely.
The next stage will depend on the future hearing concerning the alleged drug supply and any response from the NRL or South Sydney.
