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Live sport on SN this weekend'How is this fair?': Voss slams Roosters for Radley ban ploy
SEN • November 13th, 2025 10:45 am
The Sydney Roosters have some explaining to do, according to Andrew Voss who has slammed the news Victor Radley will be able to count three Ashes Tests as part of his 10-game ban for an alleged cocaine text scandal.
Radley was handed the suspension by his club after they deemed him to have brought the game into disrepute for his involvement in a police investigation pertaining to Brandon Smith’s alleged drug and betting charges which is still before the courts.
The Roosters also said Radley would not be paid for the suspension and enforced a $30,000 charity donation, which was made in September.
Now it has come to light that the recent Ashes Tests between England and Australia will count towards Radley’s ban – despite the 29-year-old making himself unavailable for selection.
Moreover, the roosters two pre-season challenge fixtures will also be included in the ban making him available to play in round 6 of the 226 season.
The news floored Voss.
“I’m really dead set confused by the Radley suspension,” he said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He had a 10-game ban and that now is five NRL games.
“They (Roosters) have said his ban includes the three Ashes Tests and two pre-season games so he is back in round 6.
“Where I have an issue, and I’ve done my research, September 26 the story came to light that Radley had informed England rugby league management that he would not be available for the Ashes series.
“He pulled out of his own volition.
“He was not considered for selection for that tour. England named their squad 19 days later on October 15. Radley was not named and couldn’t play because of this suspension hanging over his head.
“So how do those Test matches count to his ban? Even the most ardent of Roosters fan, explain this and defend it.
“His ban was handed down previous to September 26. He forfeited his salary; there was a charity donation and everything else. A week later he pulls out (of England contention).
“He pulls out of something of his own volition, no one publicly told him to pull out. So how can you count those games?
“If you’re not available for selection it doesn’t count. Rugby league bubbles along and we shoot ourselves in the foot.
“I want someone to explain this. How does it pass the pub test? How is this fair?”
The Roosters have defended their position to count the Ashes tour.
Speaking to News Corp, general manager of football, Mitch Aubusson said: “'Rads' was going to be picked for England and he was desperate to play,” Aubusson said of the three-Test series that Australia won 3-0.
“There was no pressure from us. He made the decision to put the club first and withdraw from selection. England means a lot to him.
“Plus, he missed out on getting paid for playing in the Test matches. He made the call to do it for the club. That’s what the Roosters mean to him.”
