The Sydney Roosters have suspended Victor Radley for 10 games without pay following media revelations he requested cocaine from former teammate Brandon Smith.
The sanctions represent the heaviest penalty handed down by the foundation club to a player as uncertainty lingers over Radley’s immediate future.
Smith appeared in Queensland’s Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, only days after text messages between the hooker and Radley were leaked to the press.
While Radley has not been charged, the Roosters released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying he had brought the club into disrepute and had accepted their sanctions.
Radley will be unavailable for selection until round 11 next NRL season and will donate $30,000 to St Vincent’s Hospital as part of his punishment.
‘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,’ Radley said in a statement.
Victor Radley (pictured with partner Taylah Cratchley) has been suspended for 10 games
Radley will not be paid during his ban and will also donate $30,000 to a Sydney hospital as part of his record punishment
Radley was dragged into the scandal surrounding allegations of drug supply against his former teammate Brandon Smith (pictured left with Raldey)
‘I accept the sanctions in full and will work hard to earn back the trust and respect of everyone who supports this great club.’
Earlier on Thursday, Smith was swamped by a media scrum when he appeared for the first time to answer the charges on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
The 29-year-old did not speak during the brief appearance in Southport Magistrates Court, where his lawyer said the charges would be contested.
The South Sydney hooker has been ordered not to contact Radley as part of his bail conditions.
Court documents show Smith is accused of unlawfully supplying Sydney Roosters lock Radley with cocaine at Currimundi, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, on June 7.
Smith has been charged jointly on the cocaine supply count with Joshua Geoffrey Peter Bainbridge, 34, and the court ordered no contact between the pair.
The NRL star also faces a charge of disclosing inside knowledge of the Souths’ starting line-up for his return from injury on July 2.
