South Sydney Rabbitohs star Brandon Smith has disclosed that he is now more than 300 days sober after entering rehabilitation to confront his struggles with alcohol, a revelation that drew warm applause from a television studio audience.
The 30-year-old opened up about his recovery on Nine’s 100% Footy, speaking honestly about his journey and saying he hoped sharing his experience might help others dealing with similar challenges.
Smith checked into rehab during the off-season following a difficult stretch in his NRL career, marked by injuries, his exit from the Sydney Roosters and criminal charges laid in Queensland.
He has been accused of supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside information for betting. Those matters are still before the courts, and Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
When former NRL premiership winner Paul Gallen asked him about his sobriety and recovery, Smith said he was grateful for the opportunity to speak about it openly.
‘It’s going awesome, I’m glad you asked because the more people that know about this the better, because I want to try and inspire other people,’ he said.
NRL star Brandon Smith said he is more than 300 days sober after going to rehabilitation to deal with alcohol-related issues
Smith made the move to the Rabbitohs midway through 2025 after being granted an early release from fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters
The South Sydney hooker said he hopes speaking publicly about his recovery will inspire others facing similar struggles
‘I’ve had a great career and had a lot of fun but sometimes I feel that fun can get away from you and I feel like it did, particularly during my time at the Roosters.
‘I’m over 300 days sober now.’
The admission drew applause from the studio audience as Smith smiled.
The New Zealand international said maintaining his sobriety had been difficult while dealing with another injury-interrupted season.
Smith suffered a serious ACL and MCL injury while playing for the Roosters in 2024 and has since battled recurring calf problems linked to the same leg.
He hurt his calf during the pre-season and suffered another setback in April before returning to South Sydney’s side in May.
‘It hasn’t been easy, it’s been very hard. Especially through injuries it’s like, what am I doing this for? I’ve given up something I love and nothing really good’s coming of it. That’s really been testing me,’ he said.
‘Thankfully I’m back on the field, I’m playing alright footy compared to what I was tossing up at the Roosters.’
Smith suffered serious ACL and MCL injuries in 2024 before recurring calf problems disrupted his time at South Sydney
The former Roosters star said he remains determined to repay Wayne Bennett by performing strongly for the Rabbitohs
Smith praised the Rabbitohs for supporting him, but stressed that the decision to enter rehabilitation and change his behaviour was his alone.
He previously spoke about the loyalty shown by South Sydney and veteran coach Wayne Bennett during his difficult period.
‘Particularly with all the off-field stuff that I’ve gone through while joining the Bunnies, it [loyalty] is something that is very important to me,’ Smith said earlier this month.
‘Not just Wayne Bennett, but the whole club has stuck by my side and helped me through anything… that I’m going through.
‘I have it in the back of my mind I don’t want to let Wayne down. I don’t want to let my teammates down any week, but especially I don’t want to let the coach down because he’s one of those people that he’s got your back through and through, and you just want to repay the favour to him.’
Smith spent six seasons with Melbourne and won the 2020 premiership before moving to the Roosters in 2023.
He said he believed there was less scrutiny on players in Melbourne. He felt he could ‘get away with more things’ there than in Sydney, he said.
The hooker joined the Rabbitohs midway through the 2025 season after being released early by the Roosters.
Asked by Phil Gould what he planned to do after his playing career ended, Smith said he hoped to remain in the sport.
‘I don’t really know yet, that’s still part of a transition phase,’ he said.
‘I know one thing, I don’t want to get digging holes, I want to be involved in rugby league. That’s my number one thing because rugby league has given me a lot of things in life … I just want to be part of rugby league for the rest of my life.’
