Brandon Smith faces drug charges. Photo: Will Palmer / www.photosport.nz
Kiwis star Brandon Smith is free to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the final round of the NRL season despite facing drugs and sports betting charges in Queensland.
The Rabbitohs have a bye this weekend before finishing the regular season next Friday against Smith's former team the Sydney Roosters.
News broke early this week that the Kiwis 13-Test international and Rabbitohs forward had been charged with dangerous drug supply, as well as using inside knowledge for betting, by police in Queensland.
In a statement the NRL said it was not satisfied Smith has been charged with an offence that triggered the automatic no-fault stand-down condition.
"The NRL also does not intend to impose a Stand Down Condition under its discretionary powers.
"As this matter is currently before the Queensland Courts, the NRL will offer no further comment."
In an updated statement, South Sydney indicated the 29-year-old will plead not guilty.
"... through his solicitor Paul McGirr, the club understands that Brandon was not physically in the jurisdiction of Queensland when this matter was alleged to have occurred, and therefore, we are instructed that the matter will be contested."
A 2020 premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm, Smith joined the Rabbitohs midway through this year after securing a release from the Roosters.
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