Roosters suspend Victor Radley for 10 games amid drug-scandal probe

The Sydney Roosters suspended Victor Radley for 10 NRL games without pay after media revelations that the forward had requested cocaine from former teammate Brandon Smith, the club announced Thursday. The sanction, the heaviest penalty handed down by the Roosters to a player, comes as uncertainty lingers over Radley’s immediate future. Radley will be unavailable for selection until round 11 of the upcoming season and must donate $30,000 to St Vincent’s Hospital as part of the punishment. In a statement, Radley said: “I want to sincerely apologise to the club, my teammates, our sponsors, members and fans for the negative spotlight I have brought on the Roosters.” The Roosters said he had brought the club into disrepute and accepted the sanctions. Radley will not be paid during his ban.

Brandon Smith appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, answering charges related to the ongoing case. The 29-year-old did not speak during the brief appearance, in which his lawyer said the charges would be contested. Smith is accused of unlawfully supplying Radley with cocaine at Currimundi on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on June 7. He has been charged jointly on the cocaine-supply count with Joshua Bainbridge, 34, and the court ordered no contact between the pair. Smith also faces a charge of disclosing inside knowledge of South Sydney’s starting lineup for his return from injury on July 2.

The case has drawn intense media attention, including a surge of questions about off-field conduct by elite athletes. The Roosters’ decision to suspend Radley underscores the club’s stated stance on behavior that could bring the game into disrepute. Radley’s name was referenced in the criminal proceedings surrounding Smith, linking the players in the public narrative even as Radley has not been charged with a drug-related offense. The club indicated the sanctions were imposed after a formal review and that Radley’s actions violated the standards expected of Roosters players. While the legal process continues, Radley’s absence will affect the club’s depth at forward and could shape selection plans as the next NRL season approaches.

As the investigation unfolds, both sides have emphasized cooperation with prosecutors and adherence to due process. Radley’s suspension removes him from Roosters action for the first portion of the season while he works to restore trust with teammates, staff and supporters. The court proceedings and the club’s disciplinary measures collectively reflect the broader emphasis in Australian professional sport on player conduct off the field, particularly in relation to illicit substances and integrity of competition. The Roosters did not indicate any changes to their broader policy framework beyond enforcing the stated sanction, and there was no immediate indication of further disciplinary steps against Radley. The case remains active in the public eye as officials navigate legal proceedings, league protocols and the team’s performance timetable.