The fallout from Brandon Smith‘s podcast appearance continues, with the Penrith Panthers taking the unusual step of denying ever speaking with the Storm hooker about his future.
Smith said during the interview that the premiers were one of the clubs that were interested in signing him from 2023 onwards.
“Penrith Panthers wishes to address a specific comment made by Melbourne Storm player Brandon Smith which has received mainstream media coverage,” a statement from the club read.
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“Speaking on a podcast episode, Smith identified Panthers as an NRL club that had expressed interest in acquiring his services during recent contract negotiations.
“The club strongly rejects this assertion.”
Penrith was adamant that there was never an expression of interest in Smith, nor had the club contacted him or his management.
“While there would be no ill intent in making the comment, mistruths like this can and do have a tangible impact on our club’s actual business dealings,” Penrith’s general manager Matt Cameron said.
“We felt it important to correct the public record on this occasion.”
Smith’s public interview caused a fair few shockwaves around the sport, earlier today he was forced to issue a statement while debate has raged on about his comments regarding the professionalism of the Roosters and his desire to win a premiership with them.
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