NRL 2024: Brandon Smith hit with breach notice by Sydney Roosters, confusion over version of events

There is confusion over differing versions of events surrounding Brandon Smith’s breach notice, with the Roosters star and his manager offering conflicting scenarios.

Brandon Smith has been hit with a breach (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The Sydney Roosters have hit hooker Brandon Smith with a breach notice for sleeping in and turning up late to a team meeting after last week’s loss to the Cowboys.

There is confusion over the issue because Smith said he was out having breakfast with his partner, unaware of the meeting, but his manager Stan Martin said he had slept in.

The Roosters reached out to Martin last week about the issue, the latest in a number of incidents involving the hooker that have concerned the Roosters.

Martin confirmed there had been drama, although he says it is unlikely to affect his future at the club.

Robinson was furious after the loss against the Cowboys and called the meeting before the players were given a break for the bye.

It is unclear how late Smith was.

Brandon Smith has been hit with a breach notice by the Roosters. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“After a recent loss, he got to a meeting late,” Martin said.

“The coach was angry. Brandon was the only one late.

“He slept in and got there late. I’ve spoken to the club. It’s not a major breach.”

Interestingly Smith had a different version of events.

“This is ridiculous … I was out with my partner having breakfast,” he said.

“I left my phone at home because normally after a game we don’t train the next day.

“But it’s my fault and I’ve got to take responsibility.”

There has been talk for weeks around Smith’s future at the club.

It is understood he has been dealing with other off-field issues.

He has been working with the club’s welfare officer for several weeks.

It is understood Brandon Smith has been dealing with off-field issues. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Smith has been down on form and struggling to show anything like the player he was previously at Melbourne Storm.

“I’m not sure if his future is in doubt,” Martin said, “We’ll see how things look going forward.

“He’s keen to get on with it and finish the season well.”

Smith recently took up an option in his favour to stay at the Roosters for next year.

He is one of the club’s highest paid players on around the $850,000-a-season mark.

The Roosters are hopeful the breach notice and fine will be a wake-up call for the Kiwi Test hooker.

His form over the remainder of the season will determine if the Roosters try to offload him to a rival club next year.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Brandon Smith hit with breach notice by Sydney Roosters, confusion over version of events