NRL: Brandon Smith cops a THREE-game ban after calling referee a ‘cheating b***ard’

Brandon Smith will miss Melbourne’s next three games after being referred directly to the NRL judiciary for referee dissent.

The Storm hooker called referee Adam Gee a ‘cheating bastard’ during the Storm’s 28-6 loss to Cronulla and was sent to the sin bin.

Smith took issue with Gee’s decision not to award his side a set restart midway through the second half after maintaining Cronulla’s Aiden Tolman had made a second effort in a tackle.

The Storm hooker labelled referee Adam Gee a ‘cheating b***ard’ during his side’s defeat

A contrite and forlorn Smith appeared before the NRL judiciary via video link on Tuesday night.

‘In the heat of the moment I was extremely frustrated and I took it out on the wrong person,’ Smith said.

‘I said things that should never be said to an official.

‘I will accept any consequence that (the judiciary) comes up with and I will accept it graciously.

‘I am genuinely sorry to the game and to the referee.’

Prior to the hearing, Gee told the NRL he had heard Smith call him both a ‘f***ing cheating p***k’ and a ‘cheating bastard’.

Smith said he was ‘genuinely sorry’ and will now miss three crucial games for Melbourne

However, Smith said Gee had misheard and that he had actually said ‘f*** me’ in self-admonishment.

Smith’s suspension won’t help the Storm’s battle to keep their spot in the top four.

Melbourne have lost their last two games so are now only two points clear of fifth-placed Brisbane and will be without Smith for clashes against Canberra, South Sydney and the Warriors.

Harry Grant is set to start at hooker in Smith’s absence against the Raiders on Sunday, provided he can make it through Wednesday’s State of Origin decider unscathed.

Josh King has been named at lock, Smith’s other position of choice.