South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Brandon Smith will no longer face charges related to alleged insider betting after police withdrew the case against him. The 30-year-old rugby league player appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the decision to drop the charge was officially announced.
Smith had been scheduled to face a hearing on a single count of disclosing inside knowledge for betting purposes. Authorities had alleged that he provided betting tips to a friend based on non-public information. However, the prosecution opted to discontinue the charge, and Smith’s legal team is expected to seek reimbursement of legal costs.
While the insider betting charge has been dismissed, separate legal challenges remain for Smith. He continues to face a count of supplying dangerous drugs, stemming from an incident in August of the previous year. At that time, Smith and several South Sydney teammates were stopped and questioned by police upon arrival at Gold Coast Airport ahead of a match against the Gold Coast Titans. The supply charge alleges Smith provided cocaine to former teammate Victor Radley.
A representative for the Rabbitohs confirmed that the club has notified the NRL Integrity Unit regarding the withdrawal of the insider trading allegations. The drug supply matter remains unresolved as it proceeds through the court system.