Canberra Raiders players Hudson Young and Morgan Smith have apologized for a "conflict" that occurred at a hotel in Las Vegas, which resulted in them both being temporarily removed from the premises.
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02-25, 2025The two international stars had an altercation after a night out on Thursday, stemming from an issue with hotel room arrangements that left one of them without a room. Hotel security was called, briefly removing both men from the scene to de-escalate the situation.
Young and Smith addressed the incident and apologized to the media in Las Vegas. "I want to apologize for my behavior on Thursday night, it wasn't good enough," Young said. "The NRL puts a lot of time and effort into this sport. To be a part of this momentous occasion in Vegas is something I'm so grateful for." He added that they returned to the hotel after a night out and discovered an issue with the rooms. "There was an altercation in the lift, nothing happened in the hallways."
Young also explained that someone in their group had a toy baseball bat when they returned to the hotel, which was mistaken for a weapon in the elevator, but it was never used in any harmful way. The Raiders have disciplined Young and Smith, but they will not be suspended and will be available for the weekend's game. "Things got a little bit out of hand on Thursday night," Young said. "I'm just glad to move forward. I embarrassed myself, my teammates, and the NRL."
Young stated that their club has dealt with the matter internally, with coach Ricky Stuart leading the way, and that everything has been resolved. Young also explained that he and Smith are close friends, and their partners are currently traveling together in the United States. "I spoke to my partner, but there's nothing to it because we're best mates. There's really nothing to it," Young said. "He was at my house for Christmas, our partners are traveling America together at the moment, so there's nothing in it. We're a really tight group, and me and Morgs are genuinely good mates. Everyone knows that. I feel bad, especially for my family. It's a big thing for them to come over here, and they've had to deal with this as well."
The Raiders will face the Warriors in Las Vegas on Sunday (Australian Eastern Time) to kick off their 2025 NRL season campaign. Last year in Las Vegas, players from the Roosters and Broncos were involved in a conflict at the same hotel. That conflict stemmed from a racial slur made by former Roosters forward Spencer Leniu towards Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam during a match. The Roosters and Broncos will face off again in the first round of the 2025 season, but neither Mam nor Leniu will be participating. Mam is suspended for nine games after being convicted of drug possession and driving without a license, while Leniu is suspended for two games for a high tackle in the Roosters' trial match against Newcastle.
