Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith has vowed to repay South Sydney for sticking by him during his ongoing legal action over a drugs charge stemming from a golf weekend in Queensland last year.
Speaking openly about the case for the first time, Smith praised the support he had received from club chief executive Blake Solly and coach Wayne Bennett.
“There are incredible people to work with, who have the players’ interests first,” Smith told reporters at Souths headquarters at Maroubra, as the club prepares for Friday night’s NRL elimination final against the Knights at Allianz Stadium.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Blake - an incredible human being who’s had my back through everything at this club.”
The next court date in the case is yet to be set as Smith fights the charge of supplying a dangerous drug (cocaine).
Police dropped a second charge of insider-betting last month.
Smith, a New Zealand Test player, acknowledged the Rabbitohs were within their rights to sack him over the incident.
But now he intends to let his football do the talking.
“I owe them a lot … they stuck by me through everything,” Smith said.
“And I’m trying to repay them with the effort I put on the field, the way I carry myself at training, and the way I try to lead the young fellas around.
“I’m a bit of a larrikin, but I’ve played this game a long time. I’ve played a lot of big games. I’m hoping my energy and enthusiasm helps these guys out, especially on the training paddock.
“I’ve got a lot of info ‘upstairs’ because I’ve been at some great clubs.”
Smith played in two grand finals for Melbourne Storm, losing to the Sydney Roosters in 2018 and winning against Penrith in 2020.
He reached the semi-finals with the Roosters after joining the club in 2023.
“At the moment it’s just staying on the path I’m on and it’s clearly working - I’m staying on the field and playing some good football, so I’m happy with that,” Smith said.
“I finally got 40 minutes out in the first half and I haven’t done that in the last five years due to injury and constantly being in and out of teams.
“I’ve really found a home at the Bunnies.”
His personal life is also on the up, after becoming engaged to partner Isabella.
“She’s a beautiful woman that has helped me progress to the man I am today,'' Smith said.
“She changed my life and been by my side through all the hard stuff I’ve put her through and put myself through.
“I’m very proud to call her my fiancee now.”
