NRL player Brandon Smith is scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 18 to face charges of supplying a dangerous drug and disclosing inside information for betting, stemming from a police investigation.

Queensland Police allege that Smith provided inside information about his return from injury to friends, which led to bets totaling over $20,000, and that he had knowledge of drug supply and betting activities within Queensland.

Smith, aged 29 and a Kiwi hooker for South Sydney, was questioned at Gold Coast Airport before a match on August 10, and police confirmed he was released without charge initially, before being formally charged on August 25.

The charges are based on evidence including text messages where Smith discusses betting odds and confirms participation, with bets placed on him scoring tries at high odds before team announcements, suggesting insider knowledge.

Smith denies the charges and plans to plead not guilty, with his lawyer advising him to contest the allegations and requesting a police evidence brief.

Despite the charges, Smith was allowed to play in the final regular season game for South Sydney on August 31, and he appeared in court on September 18, with his lawyer indicating he did not comment publicly.

Magistrate Deborah Mitchell granted Smith bail under conditions including restrictions on contacting certain individuals, such as Victor Radley, amid ongoing investigations.

The investigation also involved text messages exchanged with Victor Radley of the Sydney Roosters, though Radley has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing, and evidence suggests Radley referred to slang for drugs.

While Radley is not charged, the police confirmed Radley was involved in text exchanges with Smith, and Radley was not implicated in any misconduct.

Smith was cooperative during the investigation, and police confirmed he was not immediately barred from playing in the NRL.

The police investigation focused on key dates, including team announcements on July 1 and 6, and betting activity on July 5, with the timeline scrutinizing the timing of insider information.

Police allege Smith informed friends about his team selection for a match against Manly on July 6 before it was publicly announced, which influenced betting odds and activities.