Brandon Smith’s off-field troubles may be dominating the headlines, but his South Sydney Rabbitohs teammates are adamant he should still be free to take the field.
The utility is under investigation over allegations he supplied dangerous drugs and was linked to inside betting information, yet his peers believe the presumption of innocence should prevail.
Second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi insisted Smith had not let the storm outside Redfern Oval affect his contribution within it.
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‘He's just focused on getting the win this week’
“He's been normal,” Koloamatangi told the media. “He hasn't brought any of his outside stuff that's happening at the moment into the club, and that shows the type of person he is to make sure it's not all about him. He's just focused on getting the win this week.”
Pressed on whether Smith should be stood down until the investigation is complete, Koloamatangi didn’t hesitate. “One hundred per cent he should play,” he declared. “It's innocent until proven guilty, so why not?”
Veteran Jack Wighton echoed that support, revealing he has kept away from the headlines entirely. “I don't even know what knowledge it is or what's going on,” he admitted. “I've been off social media for the last six weeks. It's none of my business… Whatever's happening is for other people to deal with.”
For Wighton, the matter boils down to loyalty. “I'm here to play with him,” he said. “He's my mate and my teammate, so we'll get on with the job.”