Roberts-Smith invited – A surprise visit from former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith to the Brisbane Broncos’ dressing room after Sunday’s 30-26 loss to St George Illawarra has split fans online, with supporters calling him a hero and critics branding the decision insensitive while he
The Brisbane Broncos didn’t just lose on Sunday — they brought the fallout with them.
After a 30-26 shock defeat to the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium. Ben Roberts-Smith was spotted inside Brisbane’s dressing room. and within hours the club was at the center of a fierce online argument over whether it was appropriate to host the former SAS corporal and Victoria Cross recipient while he faces serious criminal charges.
Roberts-Smith later confirmed he attended the match with his daughters as guests of the club.
“The Broncos invited my daughters today because of all the things they have been through and we were very grateful,” he said.
That detail didn’t cool the debate. Instead, it sharpened it.
His appearance ignited clashes between supporters and critics as news spread of the visit to the Broncos’ sheds following the defeat. Many defenders pointed to the principle of innocence until a court has heard the case.
“Whatever happened to ‘innocent until proven guilty’?” one supporter wrote.
Others echoed that sentiment directly: “Man is innocent until proven guilty.”
A strong current of support framed Roberts-Smith as a decorated soldier who deserved to be treated respectfully. Commenters described him as a war hero, with some praising his military experience and leadership as a reason he could add value to the Broncos’ post-match environment.
“War horse. Always welcome that soldier,” one post read.
Another comment put it bluntly: “He’s a hero!”
Supporters also argued the Broncos were right to welcome him into the dressing room, with some suggesting fans should focus on what he brings rather than what’s before the courts.
Still, critics said the club should have avoided the controversy altogether. For them, the timing made the decision look worse, not better — especially with the trial expected to continue and Roberts-Smith charged over alleged crimes that he has categorically denied.
Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney Airport in April and has been charged with five counts of war crime murder. He has denied the allegations and is expected to vigorously contest the charges.
Online, some commenters questioned why Roberts-Smith’s presence was drawing backlash while other legal issues involving Broncos figures had not led to the same level of scrutiny.
Ezra Mam became a major talking point in that regard. Mam was fined and had his licence disqualified after pleading guilty to driving unlicensed and testing positive for drugs following a car crash in Brisbane in October 2024. The incident injured a young girl, and Mam served a lengthy NRL suspension before returning to first-grade football.
The comparison was captured in one sharp line: “I’d prefer a hero than Ezra Mam in my shed.”
But many critics insisted the Broncos should have stayed clear of any additional controversy given what Roberts-Smith is facing.
One supporter described the decision as “very very poor form.”
Another said it was “tone deaf,” adding: “bloody disgusting” and “stupid.”
A recurring theme among those critical of the invite was the feeling that Roberts-Smith’s relationship to the club — and the attention it brought — was avoidable.
That appearance is also tied to a personal link inside the Broncos’ orbit. Roberts-Smith’s presence was connected to his relationship with Brisbane welfare manager Adam Walsh, a former SAS soldier. Walsh and Roberts-Smith served in the military and have maintained a connection since leaving the armed forces.
As debate continues online. Sunday’s result — Brisbane becoming the first team to lose to St George Illawarra this season after the 30-26 defeat at Suncorp Stadium — sits side by side with a far noisier story inside the club’s own rooms: not just a loss. but an invite that split supporters right down the middle.
Brisbane Broncos Ben Roberts-Smith Ezra Mam St George Illawarra Dragons NRL Suncorp Stadium war crime charges Victoria Cross Adam Walsh
Sick of hearing about this dude honestly, play football.
Wait so he’s under charges but they let him hang out in the locker room with his kids?? That seems like a bad look, no matter what.
Idk man, if he’s “innocent until proven guilty” then what’s the problem. Like the Broncos didn’t arrest him, they just invited him. Also people act like one visit ruins the sport… I mean it’s a dressing room not Congress.
Brisbane really said “let’s welcome the controversial soldier right after a loss”??? I saw “SAS” and I immediately thought he was like a security guy or something, not someone facing criminal stuff. It just feels insensitive to victims (if there are any) and disrespectful to the whole situation. And using his daughters as the excuse… that’s gonna make people mad, shocker.