Brandon Smith, a prominent NRL player for South Sydney and a New Zealand international, was questioned by Queensland police at Coolangatta Airport on August 10 and released without charge, but he remains under investigation.

Smith, a former Melbourne premiership winner and Dally M Hooker of the Year, transferred mid-season from Sydney Roosters to South Sydney, but injuries have limited his appearances this season.

He has now been formally charged with supplying dangerous drugs and using or disclosing inside information for betting, with the charges filed on August 20 and a court date set for September 18.

Smith was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court, as the charges involve allegations of drug supply and illegal betting activities.

The investigation is part of a broader effort by Taskforce Maxima and the Organised Crime Gangs Group, focusing on betting and drug supply allegations in Queensland.

Queensland police confirmed ongoing investigations into the case, which involve multiple law enforcement agencies targeting organized crime.

The NRL integrity unit has been informed of Smith's charges, but it remains unclear if he will be ruled out of upcoming games, as the charges do not automatically trigger the league's no-fault stand-down policy.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs acknowledged the allegations and stated they will not comment further pending police investigations, with the NRL integrity unit coordinating with authorities.

During police questioning, Smith was cooperative and allowed to continue playing in the match after the initial interview.

Smith has a notable rugby league history, including a 2020 premiership with Melbourne Storm and a background rooted in North Queensland, although he has not played for an NRL team from Queensland.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Smith was released without charge after police discussions, but he remains under legal scrutiny with a court appearance scheduled for September.