Roosters break silence after Radley dragged into Smith case

The Sydney Roosters have issued an emphatic defence of their players after Victor Radley was allegedly named in police summons relating to the unfolding Brandon Smith case.

South Sydney Rabbitohs player Brandon Smith has been charged by Queensland police with "one count of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting".

Queensland police allege Smith contacted a drug dealer on the Sunshine Coast in order to supply an illicit drug to Radley and other Roosters teammates on June 7. There is no suggestion that Radley is involved in any wrongdoing.

The Sydney Roosters have issued a statement in response to the allegations.

"The Sydney Roosters are aware of speculation in the press that references a report we have not seen involving (among others) a Roosters player," a club statement said.

"With allegations due to be heard in Court next month, the Club will be making no further comment until the conclusion of that aspect of the legal process.

"The Sydney Roosters have procedures in place to deal with the sorts of allegations made in today’s written media and on TV. We will address the matter once the facts have been established via the judicial system. When in possession of the facts, the Sydney Roosters will take any necessary action, including any action available to us to defend our proud name. It is what our fans, staff, players and sponsors demand of us.

"The Club has been in contact with the NRL Integrity Unit."

The charges against Smith comes just over two weeks after the hooker was stopped and questioned by police at Coolangatta Airport after flying to the Gold Coast for his side's Round 23 clash with the Titans.

Principal of Brydens Lawyers, Lee Hagipantelis, believes the naming of Radley was strange and unnecessary to the case.

“I don’t think this is a regular occurrence,” Hagipantelis told SEN 1170 Breakfast in relation to a high-profile celebrity being named in court summons.

“Smith has been issued with a court attendance notice and attached to that document would’ve been a police fact sheet.

“That fact sheet can name certain people that set out in detail what will be alleged in order to support the offence and charges that have been laid.

“Typically, a fact sheet would include details of the incident including the names of the people involved.

“A witness could be named if their testimony is crucial to the prosecution.

"A person of interest who has not been formally charged but relevant to the investigation may also be named.

“However, in this case, it was unnecessary to (name the person) who is allegedly being supplied to prove the offence of supply.

“Unfortunately, I’m drawn to the conclusion that the naming of Victor Radley was done to garner further interest in the case given he’s a high-profile player.

“It was unnecessary, it shouldn’t have been done and there was no need for it.

“It’s not necessary to establish the charges against Brandon Smith and it’s regrettable in my view.”

A spokesperson for Queensland police explained the announcement.

“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 spokesperson for Queensland Police 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.”

Smith is now due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on September 18.

"He would have to be stood down," Jimmy Smith said on SEN 1170.

"Maximum charges carry a penalty of 15 years; he will be under the no fault stand down.

"It’s a huge story and the last thing the Rabbitohs and the game of rugby league needs."

The South Sydney Rabbitohs issued a statement in response to Smith's charge.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of allegations made by Queensland Police against player Brandon Smith," the club statement reads.

"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."