Voss: Why Brandon Smith should stand himself down

SEN’s Andrew Voss believes Brandon Smith should stand himself down for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in light of his recent criminal charges.

Smith was issued a police summons from Queensland Police on Monday and was charged with one count of supplying drugs and one count of disclosing inside knowledge for betting purposes.

Smith’s legal team has confirmed they will contest the charges and South Sydney have also confirmed that Smith will be eligible for selection for the Bunnies’ Round 27 clash against the Sydney Roosters.

“They have the bye this weekend and then they play the Roosters,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Is the player bigger than the club? Do you think Souths should stand firm on this one?

“There isn’t the no fault stand down policy from the league so the NRL don’t have to stand him down.

“We are all footy fans here. Should he sit out the final game in the best interest of the club?

“He’s pleaded not guilty but is he entitled to let the club go about their business for the final game of the season?

“I lean towards yes. I agree with Canterbury’s league mantra which is club first, team second and player third.

“In this instance, the player runs third and should tell his teammates that he’s fighting this charge and that they should concentrate on the game.

“It just takes him completely out of the picture.

“Leave the specifics out of it. We have a football decision to make before a player is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.”

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Smith is accused of telling an alleged drug dealer about changes to the Rabbitohs starting line-up that may have led to a try-scorer bet being placed on him.

It's alleged Smith provided information that he would be in the team for the Rabbtiohs in his South Sydney debut against Manly on July 6.

Smith joined the Rabbitohs midway through the 2025 season after a difficult tenure at the Roosters plagued with injuries and controversies.

Given the no fault stand down policy hasn’t come into effect, SEN’s Greg Alexander holds the belief that the decision to play ultimately falls on Smith and not the club.

“If Smith has told South Sydney that he’s desperate to play, maybe they should play him,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“More might come out over the next few days which could change the situation and make it untenable for him to play.

“At the moment, I leave it up to Brandon Smith to be in charge.

“If I’m Souths and he’s desperate to play, (Souths) should say ‘we back you.’”