Overview

• Brandon Smith pleaded not guilty in Southport Magistrates Court to drug supply and an inside‑information betting charge, with the case adjourned to October 9 and a no‑contact order with Victor Radley in place.
• The Roosters handed Radley a 10‑game suspension without pay and ordered a $30,000 donation to St Vincent’s Hospital, the largest player sanction in the club’s history, which he accepted with a public apology.
• The Rugby League Players’ Association has questioned whether suspending a player without pay complies with the CBA and is considering taking the issue to the NRL to avoid setting a precedent.
• Club officials intend to seek about $150,000 in salary‑cap relief tied to Radley’s unpaid matches, though any dispensation requires NRL approval.
• England coach Shaun Wane said he intends to select Radley for the Ashes if fit, with the RFL indicating the club ban does not apply to international selection.