"Unsettling and humiliating": Souths star questioned by police

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Brandon Smith is expected to play his 150th NRL game on Sunday despite being stopped by police after landing in the Gold Coast.

According to News Corp, the 29-year-old was pulled aside by the authorities after players arrived at Coolangatta on Saturday afternoon ahead of the side’s clash with the Titans.

“Queensland Police had cause to speak to a 29-year-old male at Coolangatta Airport,” a statement from the authorities said.

“The male was later released without charge. Police have no further information to provide.”

No charges have been laid.

According to the report, the Rabbitohs have been in contact with the NRL integrity unit but no further details of why Smith was taken aside have been shared.

When asked in his post-match press conference, Bennett said Smith's drama pre-game was “something we’re not going to talk about."

The Rabbitohs were 20-18 victors over the Hold Coast Titans in Smith's 150th match.

Phil Rothfield, who broke the story said: "They (Souths players) get off the plane and they're filing towards luggage.

"QLD police take him aside and question him for a considerable time.

"We checked with sources; it was nothing to do with behaviour on the plane etc. Turns out there is some sort of issue that we’re trying to establish in regards to the last 12 months.

"They may have had trouble tracking Brandon down and they’ve found him at the airport, questioned him before he’s joined the team at the hotel.

"No charges have been laid, there no suggestion of wrongdoing on the flight and we have had it confirmed by Souths he will play this afternoon against the Titans.

"It's unsettling for him before the game.

"For Souths it’s a watch this space story to see what the next move is with the police.

"It’s humiliating to bail him up at the airport, there are better ways to handle it."

Smith was released from the final six months of his deal by the Roosters in May of this season and he is contracted to Souths until the end of 2027.

The hooker was initially set to join Souths in 2026 but salary cap management brought the deal forward.

“I dudded Wayne and I broke his trust because I told him I was going there,” Smith said when asked about previously turning down the chance to work alongside Wayne Bennett.

“Two years down the track, he’s still interested in me. That shows me he wants me. Every chance I’ve had with him over the past two days, he’s been outstanding. The feeling of not being wanted is bad, but being wanted is better.”