Storm star Brandon Smith is reportedly being investigated by the NRL after he allegedly made an “unprofessional” and “disrespectful” comment during an interview.
Nine’s Danny Weidler revealed in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday that the NRL is currently investigating the New Zealand international.
Weidler claims that Smith, who he says has now been warned by future club the Roosters that he will become a media target in Sydney, was heard allegedly using a pidgin English term.
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The comment that was allegedly made occurred when Smith interrupted a Storm interview with Papua New Guinea teammate and Storm winger Xavier Coates on Anzac Day, according to Weidler’s report.
While the word Smith used didn’t appear to faze Coates at the time, it does have several meanings of a sexual nature, which has rattled PNG supporters, the SMH report claims.
Smith has since told Melbourne officials that he didn’t know what the pidgin English word meant and that he heard the same comment being used by other players, according to Weidler.
The 25-year-old was fined and suspended last year alongside teammates Cameron Munster and Chris Lewis after a video emerged of the three players in a hotel room with a white substance on the table.
Smith will join the Roosters in 2023 after he signed a three-year deal with the club in December.