Sydney Roosters respond to ‘defamatory’ Brandon Smith video

The Roosters have sent a warning to social media users over a circulating video and “grossly distorted” claims made about a star player.

The Roosters have slammed online speculation about a video featuring five star players.

The Sydney Roosters have sent a warning to social media users over a widely circulated video featuring Brandon Smith.

The star hooker and some teammates were seen in a live-streamed video on the evening before the club’s Magic Round clash with the Sharks.

There have been some suggestions from social media users that the live stream showed the players looking worse for wear while performing a deliberate act for the camera.

The Roosters have released a statement to deny claims the video showed any use of an illicit substance.

Other players seen in the video are Zach Dockar-Clay, Terrell May, Naufahu Whyte and Spencer Leniu.

The video was uploaded to May’s Twitch account and is still available to view online.

“The Sydney Roosters have been made aware of a small clip from a longer live stream that some on social media have claimed identifies behaviour that breaches NRL rules” the club stated.

“The live stream in question was part of a transparent one-hour interaction with one of our player’s followers on the evening before the Club’s Round 11 match. The players who featured in the stream selected winners for several giveaways of jerseys, boots and caps. The players were fully aware they were being viewed by participants in the live stream.

The Roosters have slammed online speculation about a video featuring five star players.

The Roosters have slammed online speculation about a video featuring five star players.

“The clip reveals no use of illicit substances or any other breach of NRL rules, however some see fit to make that grossly distorted and clearly damaging claim.

“The Sydney Roosters uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both on and off the field. Our players adhere to all NRL policies, including its rigorous drug testing and education programs.

“As a Club we remind those on social media that we take the defamatory statements some have made very seriously, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source(s) of several false accusations. Legal action will be pursued against those found responsible for spreading damaging and unsubstantiated claims.”

Brandon Smith of the Roosters. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Smith, 27, is in the middle of a crucial season after claims he has failed to deliver for the Roosters after moving from the Storm on a rich contract.

Smith signed a three-year deal with the Roosters, but recent reports have claimed he is free to leave at the end of the 2024 season with a clause in his favour to unlock the final year of the deal in 2025.

The Kiwi international has previously had contract offers tabled from rival clubs worth north of $900,000-per-season, with the Dolphins one of many suitors.

He is yet to make a decision as to whether he will activate the additional year of his contract or look for a new club.

May, meanwhile, signed a two-year contract extension with the club last month.

The forward will be with the club through to the end of the 2026 season.

“I’m really happy to have my future sorted with the Roosters,” he said.

“I love being part of the team here and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to represent the Red, White and Blue for another two years.”

Originally published as Sydney Roosters respond to ‘defamatory’ Brandon Smith video