South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith has insider betting charge withdrawn in court

Charge withdrawn over lack of evidence

A police prosecutor withdrew an insider-betting charge against South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, telling Magistrate Louisa Pink that he would offer "no evidence" for the allegation. Multiple outlets identified Smith as the New Zealander at the centre of the case and reported the withdrawal on the same day.

Origin of the allegation

The charge related to an allegation that Smith had disclosed inside knowledge of South Sydney's starting line-up for his return from injury on July 2, 2025. Prosecutors had previously claimed the information was shared with an associate who subsequently placed a bet on the Rabbitohs' match against Manly. The investigation had stemmed from the seizure of Smith's phone at Gold Coast Airport.

Other charge still pending

Smith continues to face a separate allegation that he supplied cocaine to a fellow first-grade player in 2025. Both matters were before the court on Thursday for the scheduled update on the criminal charges against him.

Defence response

Smith's solicitor, Paul McGirr, told media outside court that his client was "satisfied with the result" and said "this matter should never have seen the light of day." Smith was reported to be "moving on" following the withdrawal of the betting charge.

What remains uncertain

It was not stated in the supplied reporting whether the withdrawn insider-betting charge will have any impact on NRL integrity unit proceedings or potential sporting sanctions against Smith. The next verifiable milestone is the continued court proceedings over the remaining cocaine supply allegation.