Brandon Smith, a forward for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, made headlines when Queensland police stopped him at Coolangatta Airport the day before his historical 150th NRL game. The incident took place on Saturday afternoon, August 9, when Smith and his teammates arrived before the Rabbitohs’ game against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Airport Mishap
At Coolangatta Airport, police “had cause to speak to a 29-year-old male,” according to Queensland Police. Police spoke with Smith, but he was later freed without being indicted, and they offered no further details.
It is believed that Smith did not engage in any inappropriate conduct during the flight, and there has been no proof of wrongdoing. The police encounter’s cause is still unidentified.
Smith was dragged aside as he was making his way to the baggage claim area, according to witnesses. He spent a “considerable” amount of time away from his teammates before reuniting with them.
Club and NRL Reaction
The NRL Integrity Unit was promptly alerted of the incident by the Rabbitohs. Blake Solly, the CEO of the Rabbitohs, recognised speaking with the Integrity Unit but refrained from offering further commentary.
Smith was allowed to play the next day without any problems from the NRL. The Titans and stadium personnel collaborated to make sure he didn’t get caught in a media rush when he arrived by team bus prior to kickoff.
Return to Field and Milestone Complement
Smith played 58 minutes in South Sydney’s 20–18 victory over the Titans at Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium, despite the off-field attention.
After suffering a knee injury in his first game for the Rabbitohs this season, he made his return for the match. His 150th NRL appearance was also an important personal milestone. Before the game, Isaac Luke, a former hooker for the Rabbitohs and New Zealand, gave him his match jersey.
The Gold Coast team was sitting last and in danger of taking home the wooden spoon after their win shifted Souths up the ladder above the Titans.
Mid-Season Transfer and Professional Experience
Smith reached an early release from the Sydney Roosters to join the Rabbitohs in the middle of the season. After a difficult time filled with injuries and rumoured dressing room tensions, his time with the Roosters came to an end. Trent Robinson, the coach, recognised that the team wanted to reallocate its salary cap funds.
Smith had been training with the Roosters’ reserve grade group prior to the move. Prior to playing 41 games with the Roosters, he had a successful stint with the Melbourne Storm, playing 107 games.
Setbacks Due to Injury
Serious knee injuries have messed with Smith’s recent seasons. He suffered an MCL sprain during his Rabbitohs debut in Round 18 after missing a substantial portion of the 2024 season due to an ACL injury.
He had only played two matches for South Sydney before the match against the Titans.
Individual Difficulties and Assistance
Smith openly addressed the personal toll of his career upheaval earlier this year, praising his partner Isabella for her steadfast support during trying times.
He agreed that there were days when he struggled to find motivation, but he talked about depending on her to take care of off-field problems so he could focus on training and recuperation.
