The NRL has been urged to stand down Brandon Smith for integrity reasons after South Sydney opted against doing so in the wake of his drug supply and betting charges.

The Rabbitohs hooker is set to face court next month after being charged by Queensland Police as part of an ongoing investigation. But he could still line up for Souths next week against his former side Roosters, who have been dragged into the saga themselves.

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Queensland Police have reportedly alleged Smith’s drug supply offence relates to Roosters player Victor Radley’s bye-week holiday with teammates earlier this year.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Radley or others on the trip.

Smith’s first line of defence, meanwhile, has emerged after the Rabbitohs updated their initial statement.

“Through his solicitor Paul McGirr, the club understands that Brandon was not physically in the jurisdiction of Queensland when this matter was alleged to have occurred, and therefore, we are instructed that the matter will be contested,” the club said.

NRL great Brett Kimmorley noted it is still possible Smith is stood down by Rabbitohs officials after they use this week’s bye round to understand the situation.

But he said it should not get to that point.

“The NRL, I think, on this one are going to have to come over the top of South Sydney,” Kimmorley said on Sunrise.

He said the onus is on the NRL to look after the integrity of the game and Smith himself.

“The player first of all has to be looked after and that will be part of the Rugby League Players Association, which looks after all the players, and the club is also looking out for Brandon Smith,” Kimmorley added.

“But also understanding the make-up of the NRL and the protection of the NRL (is important).

“The allegations that have come out are obviously about some drugs ... but I’m also concerned on the weekend we had a big story in the paper about illegal gambling — all sports not only NRL.

“We’ve got a couple of big issues happening.”

Kimmorley is adamant players get “so much information” from the NRL.

“The NRL, they’ve got to be careful, they’ve got to be protective of the brand, the club, the players, the fans and all the sponsors and everything else that comes with the game,” he said.

“So much education, so much knowledge, so much understanding of what to do, but obviously sometimes players make some wrong choices — not saying yet this has happened, we’ll give Brandon Smith his time to go to court, and let’s hope this is not a huge matter moving forward.

“We do get educated and I’m very curious how this outcome comes on, but lots of clubs have been brought into the subject.”

Smith was first interviewed by Queensland Police upon landing at Gold Coast airport for an away game last month.

Released without charge, he was praised as “very co-operative” by acting police commissioner Shane Chelepy.

Smith’s charges emerged on Monday.

“A 29-year-old man has been issued with a Summons by Queensland Police on August 20 for supplying dangerous drugs and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting,” Queensland Police said in a statement.

“The man is expected to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 18 September.

“Investigations by detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, Taskforce Maxima, South Eastern Region are continuing.”

Smith, a 2020 premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm, joined the Rabbitohs midway through this year after securing a release from the Sydney Roosters.

He has only managed four games for Souths, winning all three since his return from an injury suffered in his club debut.

The Rabbitohs’ season will end before Smith is due to face court, with just two games left after missing the finals.