Victor Radley spotted with Roosters teammates at Bronte café days before court hearing

Victor Radley was photographed socialising with several Sydney Roosters teammates at a Bronte beach café on Thursday, days before a court will hear matters linked to a police summons that names him in relation to a drug supply allegation involving South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith.

The 27-year-old forward was joined by his pregnant fiancée, Taylah Cratchley, and their young son Vinnie as he mingled with teammates including Angus Crichton, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, James Tedesco, Connor Watson, Hugo Savala, Egan Butcher and Mark Nawaqanitawase. Many of the group were shirtless, eating and drinking outdoors in warm spring conditions as the Roosters prepare for an elimination final against Cronulla at Sharks Stadium.

Queensland Police have charged Smith with two offences: supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting. The supply allegation specifies Currimundi on the Sunshine Coast on June 7, the same date media reports say Radley and several Roosters players were on a golf trip during a bye round. Court documents name Radley in relation to the supply claim, but Radley has not been charged and police have not indicated he is under investigation.

Smith was questioned by detectives at Coolangatta Airport in early August after flying in with South Sydney ahead of a match against the Titans. Police described the stop as "opportunistic" and part of a wider probe. Smith cooperated with detectives and was cleared to play; a formal summons was later issued and he is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Sept. 18. His legal team has said Smith intends to fight the charges, and that the documents do not allege he physically handed drugs to anyone. Police previously seized Smith's phone and later returned it.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson and club officials defended Radley on Thursday, saying there is no evidence of wrongdoing and stressing the matter remains focused on Smith. Robinson said the player was distressed when media enquiries surfaced and criticised the way information reached the public. "People's integrity is at stake, so you need to make sure that you look after the integrity of the people involved and the club," Robinson said.

Club sources emphasised Radley had relaxed with teammates ahead of finals football and that the squad was trying to maintain focus on the field. The Roosters secured eighth place in the 2025 NRL finals ladder and will face Cronulla in a sudden-death clash, a match that will end the season for the loser. Wallabies convert Mark Nawaqanitawase, making his first NRL finals appearance this season, and other squad members are expected to be involved as the club pursues a run through the playoffs.

Media coverage of the matter has driven off-field scrutiny during preparations for the finals. The Daily Mail, which published the photographs, stated it did not suggest Radley had engaged in any wrongdoing. Law enforcement and the club have urged restraint while the legal process proceeds.

Smith faces the court appearance next week, and the Roosters will turn their attention to Sunday’s elimination final. The club has said it will address any further developments as facts emerge from the legal process.