The Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has addressed links between his players and the charges laid against former Rooster Brandon Smith in a scathing assessment of how the drama has played out publicly.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Robinson expressed his disappointment at the lack of official information and the speculation in rugby league circles that has attempted to tie his club and players to Smith’s drug and betting charges.
“There’s nothing in front of us. We’ve had no reports. Officially, there’s been nothing put to us from anybody other than newspaper articles,” Robinson said on Thursday morning.
“You can’t play a game with these things. You’ve got to be clear on what’s in front of you, and nothing has been put forward by anybody outside of articles,” he reiterated, stressing it is business as usual at Bondi. “Until we see something that’s really clear, it’s continuing on with what we’re doing.”
MORE: Brandon Smith charged by police
Robinson also criticised the way the media handle initial reports of allegations like those surrounding Smith, warning that people should be careful when trying to “connect the dots” when there is little information available. He said it was frustrating that clubs and players were often left in the dark.
“And that’s the surprising thing because things come out, but they don’t come to us, they don’t come to the person. They come to you guys (the media) and then we’re standing here talking about something we haven’t seen,” Robinson said.
“People’s integrity is at stake, so you need to make sure you look after the integrity of those involved and the club. Some people have been wrongly attached to things as well, so we’ve got to be careful,” he continued.
The frustrated coach also spoke about the toll unsubstantiated stories can have on players, not only professionally but personally, using Chad Townsend as an example of a family man drawn into speculation about the scandal.
“This isn’t a game for these people – this is their lives and their integrity is at stake. That’s the stuff that’s really disappointing,” Robinson said, highlighting the personal cost to players.
Several Roosters players have been linked to Smith’s charges, with reports suggesting a summons may even have been issued to veteran forward Victor Radley.
No wrongdoing by Radley or any team mates has been suggested in any media reports or by Queensland police, but speculation has alleged that Smith was contacted by Roosters players during a Queensland golf trip in June.
Smith was charged in August by Queensland Police with supplying dangerous drugs and disclosing inside knowledge for betting purposes.
The drug charge relates to allegedly supplying an illicit substance in June, while the betting charge concerns the alleged use or disclosure of inside knowledge to influence wagering outcomes.
In a statement released shortly after the charges were laid, the Roosters emphasised they would take appropriate action to protect the club’s reputation and guard against unsubstantiated claims as more information becomes available through the legal process.
The timing could not be worse for the Roosters, clinging to eighth spot on the ladder as they prepare to face the Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night.
A loss could end their season depending on other results across the round and the final week of matches in Round 27.
Such controversies can destabilise a squad and hurt performances, but they can also galvanise a team into a siege mentality that drives them to lift on game day.
The Roosters will be hoping it’s the latter when they take the field in Melbourne.