South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith’s milestone weekend took an unexpected turn after Queensland Police reportedly spoke to him upon his arrival at Coolangatta Airport on Saturday.
Following the club’s nail-biting 20-18 victory over the Gold Coast Titans, which lifted South Sydney off the bottom of the ladder, the 29-year-old told ABC Sports journalist Zane Bojack in passing that he believes he is “okay” and described the incident as a “misunderstanding.”
While traveling with his Rabbitohs teammates on Saturday ahead of their Round 23 Sunday afternoon clash against the Titans—marking his 150th first-grade appearance—Smith was approached by officers and taken aside for questioning.
Police confirmed the New Zealand international was released without a charge.
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"Queensland Police had cause to speak to a 29-year-old male at Coolangatta Airport. The male was later released without charge. Police have no further information to provide.," read a statement from Queensland Police.
The reason for the police interaction remains unclear, and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Smith, who joined South Sydney mid-season after transferring from the Sydney Roosters.
South Sydney declined to comment on the matter, though the club’s CEO Blake Solly confirmed Smith remained with the squad on Saturday evening.
The NRL Integrity Unit has reportedly been notified and has reached out to the Rabbitohs for further details.
The airport incident comes as Smith makes his return from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for over a month. His last appearance—his Rabbitohs debut against Manly—was cut short when he suffered damage to his medial ligament.