Kotoni Staggs (R) looks on as Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith sets up a try for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Brandon Smith's Kiwis career is in limbo.
Smith has been embroiled in a drugs and betting scandal after he was arrested and charged in August.
It has been alleged that Smith facilitated a cocaine deal for fellow NRL players, and provided inside information to friends for gambling purposes.
The 13-test hooker has since made his first appearance in court where he pleaded not guilty and did not make a statement.
Smith was a notable omission from Tuesday's Kiwis squad announced for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
"Brandon hasn't played a lot of footy this year, and obviously he's got some personal stuff that I don't know too much about, but I feel the other two blokes I've picked, Jeremy Marshall-King and Phoenix Crossland, are handy players," explained Kiwis coach Stacey Jones.
However, Jones would not rule out a return for Smith in time for next year's world cup.
"You never rule anyone out. If Brandon gets on the field and is playing really good footy, I know that he's enjoyed his time in the Kiwi space, so, you never rule anyone out."
After missing several front-line stars for 2024's campaign through injury, Jones said selections were much more difficult this year.
"There's some very good players that have missed out."
Among them, grand finalists Jordan Riki and Will Warbrick, which Jones admitted were hard decisions.
"If we could increase our squad by a few more, those players would be there. And yeah, it was a tough one, you don't want to call the player and say what's happened, but comfortable with the squad that we've got.
With just two tests confirmed for the Kiwis before now and next year's world cup, Jones expressed frustration at the lack of international rugby.
"It would be nice to play more international footy and to get combinations to work through a strong campaign."
Also missing from the squad is 2024 Dally M Medal winner five eight of the year Jahrome Hughes, who played the NRL final after fracturing his arm just three weeks earlier.
However, it was a prior shoulder injury which was planned for surgery which ruled Hughes out.
"He's one of the elite players of our game, but good to know that he wasn't available early. It is frustrating. I know Jahrome really cares about this space. He loves the black and white Jersey and he mentioned to me that he would love to be around and be playing, but he's a world-class player and he's got to look after himself."
Jones said they were looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in 2024.
"We didn't make the final and didn't win it. We played 40 minutes of poor footy, which we've got to learn a lesson from that. You don't get many opportunities to wear the black and white jersey and you got to make the most of it."
Though the Kiwis will not meet the world champion Kangaroos this year, two formidable sides await in Toa Samoa and Mate Maʻa Tonga.
"The squads that they will have available are going to be very strong. They can beat any team on their day and it's going to be such an exciting championship."
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