The NRL is set to launch a review into Brandon Smith's recent appearance on the YKTR Sports podcast.
The talented hooker has made headlines since his cameo on the popular show with his club the Melbourne Storm reportedly not happy with what Smith had to say about his trip to see the Sydney Roosters.
But it turns out it's not just the Storm who were left fuming with Smith.
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It's understood the NRL aren't too pleased with his comments either and are now going to conduct and official investigation into the matter.
"I've asked the Integrity Unit to review the podcast and provide me with a report," NRL boss Andrew Abdo told the Daily Telegraph.
If found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, Smith could be fined up to $10,000.
According to reports, it is Smith's tongue which the NRL are most angry about though, with the words "f**k" and "c**t" leaving the 25-year-old's mouth a number of times throughout the interview.
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Delving into the deep drinking culture within the club probably didn't sit too well with NRL officials either.
But the Storm are upset for an entirely different reason altogether.
It's understood Craig Bellamy and Co are more fuming about what Smith had to say about his recent visit to the Chooks as the he enters the final year of his contract in Melbourne.
Smith spoke glowingly of his trip to the Sydney Roosters, claiming that he could picture himself winning a Premiership in the famous Tri-Colours jersey and describing how he was almost moved to tears when speaking to former players.
The Storm have now issued a response of their own.
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"Recent comments made by Brandon in a podcast, and the way he expressed them, do not align with Storm's values and the way we operate as a club," Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
"The statements have deeply offended current and former players, coaches, staff and board members and the club strongly rejects the comments made about the Storm culture.
"We acknowledge Brandon's apology made on social media today and his willingness now to prepare for the 2022 season with Storm.
"Brandon has every right to explore future opportunities as any player would in his position, and ultimately we respect his decision to play football elsewhere from 2023."
Loveable larrikin Smith has emerged one of the NRL's favourite cult heroes in recent years not just for his unquestionable talent on the field but also for his easy-going nature off it.
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Smith, or as he's more commonly known as "The Cheese", has now issued a public apology.
"I want to address current media speculation going on around me at the moment, and specifically my recent comments on the YKTR Sports podcast," Smith said in a statement.
"Over the past two month, I've read multiple headlinese about me day in day out, many of which were untrue, non that from mouth directly.
"I done [sic] this podcast for that very reason. To be fully transparent about he process I've been going through.
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"It's honestly been really exciting through and I'm truly grateful to being the position I'm in.
"One thing I pride myself on is being myself, and regardless of backlash I will continue to do so.
"That being said, I do acknowledge and want to apologise for how some of the comments have been received.
"Specifically to the Melbourne Storm, it was never my intent to disrespect or come across as ungrateful to the club that has done so much for me and my family.
"And that goes for my coaches, members, staff and most of all, my teammates.
"I speak from the heart - for better or worse sometimes - and I'm sorry if anyone was hurt by my words.
"But at the end of the day they are my words."
Featured Image Credit: YKTRTopics: Melbourne Storm, Rugby League, nrl, Australia, Sydney Roosters