Victor Radley spotted with Roosters teammates at Bronte café days before court hears drug supply summons
Radley has not been charged after being named in court documents linked to a police summons for South Sydney’s Brandon Smith; Roosters prepare for an elimination final against Cronulla
Victor Radley was photographed socialising with several Sydney Roosters teammates at a Bronte beach café just days before court proceedings begin in a drug supply matter in which his name appears in police summonses.
The 27-year-old forward spent an afternoon at outdoor tables with teammates while joined by his pregnant fiancée Taylah Cratchley and their young son Vinnie, appearing relaxed as the Roosters ready for a sudden-death NRL final. The group included Angus Crichton, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, James Tedesco, Connor Watson, Hugo Savala, Egan Butcher and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Court documents name Radley in relation to an allegation that South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith supplied a dangerous drug on June 7 at Currimundi on the Sunshine Coast. Queensland Police have charged Smith with two offenses: supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting. Smith is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Sept. 18.
Radley has not been charged with any offence and police have not said he is under investigation. News reports have emphasised that his role in the documents is as a named figure in the summons, not as an accused. The club and coach Trent Robinson have defended Radley, saying there is no evidence to suggest he has engaged in wrongdoing.
"He was pretty hurt on that night when the journalist called him. All he could do was ring us and tell us what the journalist said was going to come out," Robinson said, calling for care around reporting while the facts are still coming to light. "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."
Smith's legal team has indicated he intends to contest the charges and has disputed any suggestion he physically handed drugs to anyone. Queensland Police first questioned Smith at Coolangatta Airport in early August in what they described as an "opportunistic" stop that was part of a wider probe. Smith cooperated with detectives and was cleared to play; police later issued a formal summons and returned a phone that had been seized during their enquiries.
The Roosters have said the matter remains focused on Smith and insisted club officials were not given advance sight of the documents that named Radley. The episode unfolded as the club prepared for the NRL finals, having secured eighth place and a do-or-die clash with Cronulla at Sharks Stadium.
Radley’s appearance at the café came amid that finals build-up, with several players enjoying a calm afternoon off the training paddock. Among those present was Mark Nawaqanitawase, the former Wallabies convert who will experience NRL finals football in his first season.
The club has not announced any internal disciplinary action related to the summonses. Legal proceedings against Smith will progress through the Southport Magistrates Court next week, where the supply allegation and the related betting offence will be formally addressed.