Souths star Brandon Smith has revealed he entered rehab last year in a serious effort to “redefine himself” after suffering some off-field issues.

talk buy round Smith said on the podcast that he has been sober for more than 100 days and regularly attends Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to turn his life around and “stay on the straight and narrow.”

29 years old is He is currently facing gambling and drug charges. In a Queensland court.

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Although he’s not using that as an excuse, Smith said he feels pressured to protect his “party boy identity.”

“I don’t know why I was hiding, but I took four weeks off and went to rehab. I can’t recommend this more highly to people who are dealing with issues. In my case it was mental health and alcohol abuse, just about everything of that nature,” Smith said.

“What I really learned there was that I had an identity as a party boy and I didn’t want to play that identity and let anyone down.

“Coming out of the facility was all about reaffirming myself as a professional athlete. I’m not Brandon Smith, a party boy. I’m Brandon Smith, a professional rugby league player who plays for South.”

“I’m doing everything I can to stay on the straight and narrow. I’m attending AA and GA meetings. I’m doing everything I can to stay on this path…The life I’m living right now is much better than the life I’ve been living the last few years.”

Since arriving at Souths last season, Smith was keen not only to change his ways but also to impress his new team-mates and coaches.

“I went out of my own free will. It wasn’t because I was in trouble. I went to see the Bunnies and thought I’d do this to improve my image,” he said.

“I went in there without anyone knowing anything and revealed to them that I was there.

“It was really shocking. It’s hard to stay where I was when I first quit because it’s fresh in your memory. I think I’ve been sober for 105 days.”

“I’m training very well and I’m doing all the right things off the field. I feel like a professional athlete now. I’m doing very well in training and leading the players.”

Former Eels coach eyes new role

Former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur could be handed a new coaching job as he is reportedly interested in an international coaching role.

Arthur, who was sacked by the Eels in 2024 after more than a decade as head coach, is reported to be keenly interested in England’s vacant head coaching position ahead of the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. I love rugby league.

Arthur, who currently plays for Super League side Leeds Rhinos, won more than 50 per cent of his matches with the Eels during his time in the NRL and helped lead them to the 2022 NRL Grand Final against the Panthers.

Former Australian Kangaroos assistant coach Willie Peters is also interested in the job and is believed to be an early favorite to replace sacked England manager Sean Wayne.

Other names rumored to be involved in the position include Gold Coast Titans assistant coach Brian McDermott, former Rabbitohs premiership winner Sam Burgess and NRL player turned media personality James Graham.

Jamie Soward resigns as Fetu Samoa coach

Jamie Soward has also officially stepped down as head coach of the national team after lifting Samoa from 20th to 5th in the Women’s International Rugby League World Rankings.

The surprising decision comes just months after the start of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Samoa set to face Australia in the women’s opening match of the tournament.

The former St George Illawarra Dragons premiership winner announced in a statement that career changes and changing personal priorities were the main reasons for his resignation.

“Thank you for the opportunity, trust and memories,” Soward said in a statement.

“I have always been proud of my association with Rugby League Samoa and with the Fetu Samoa program.”

Soward’s departure means Samoa become the third national team to be looking for a new manager, with France and Papua New Guinea parting ways with their head coaches at the end of last year.

Rugby League Samoa president Ponifacio Vaasa added: “While we are disappointed to see Sowie leave, we respect his decision and understand the importance of doing what is best for him, his new role and especially his family.”

“We thank him for all his efforts and work during his tenure and recognize the foundation he and his team have laid to ensure the team’s success going forward.

“One thing that’s clear about Sowie is that he’s very passionate about the game. Once a fetus, always a fetus.”