NRL investigating Brandon Smith over ‘disrespectful’ comment in teammate’s interview

Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith is reportedly being investigated by the NRL over a disrespectful comment he made in an interview.

Brandon Smith is reportedly being investigated by the NRL. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith is reportedly being investigated over a disrespectful comment he made during an interview.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports the NRL is investigating Smith for a remark he made to his teammate Xavier Coates on Anzac Day after the Storm thrashed the Warriors 70-10.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

According to the SMH’s Danny Weidler, Smith interrupted an interview with Coates and used a pidgin English term.

The word didn’t appear to bother Coates but it is believed it has several meanings of a sexual nature.

Coates is born in Papua New Guinea and Smith’s comment didn’t go down well with PNG supporters, who brought it to the NRL’s attention.

Smith has also reportedly used similar language before during an interview with another Storm player of PNG heritage, Justin Olam.

Brandon Smith is reportedly being investigated by the NRL. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Brandon Smith (back) with Storm teammate Xavier Coates.

The NRL is said to be undecided on whether to issue Smith with a breach notice but the report said the league viewed the comments as “unprofessional” and “disrespectful”.

Smith has told Melbourne club officials he doesn’t know what the pidgin English word means and has heard the comment used by other players.

The 25-year-old will leave the Storm at the end of the season to join the Sydney Roosters next season on a three-year deal.

Last year, Smith was fined $50,000 and suspended for one game for his involvement in the white powder scandal with teammates Cameron Munster and Chris Lewis.

Earlier this season, the New Zealand international came under fire for appearing to mock Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell after the Storm’s golden point win over South Sydney.

Originally published as NRL investigating Brandon Smith over ‘disrespectful’ comment in teammate’s interview