Hudson Young

Raiders' Vegas Trip Turns Sour: Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies Apologise After Hotel Scuffle

Canberra Raiders stars Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies have found themselves in hot water after an incident in Las Vegas, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the NRL season opener. The pair have publicly apologised for their involvement in a hotel altercation that led to them being briefly kicked out of their accommodation. With a traffic volume buzz of around 2000, the incident has quickly become a talking point amongst NRL fans and media alike.

What Happened in Vegas Stays… Unless You're Hudson Young

The incident, which occurred in the lead-up to the Raiders' clash with the Warriors in Las Vegas, reportedly involved an inflatable baseball bat and resulted in Young and Smithies being temporarily evicted from their hotel. While details remain somewhat murky, reports suggest the altercation took place in a hotel elevator.

Both players have since expressed remorse for their actions. According to ABC News, the Raiders pair issued an apology, acknowledging the incident and its potential impact on the team's reputation. The Guardian also reported on the apology, highlighting the involvement of an inflatable baseball bat in the late-night fracas.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart addressed the situation, stating that the team had dealt with the matter internally.

Recent Updates: From Elevator Scuffle to Public Apology

Here's a breakdown of the recent developments:

• Late February 2025: Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies are involved in a hotel altercation in Las Vegas.
• Reports Emerge: News outlets, including ABC News, The Guardian, and 7NEWS, report on the incident and the players' temporary eviction from the hotel.
• Public Apology: Young and Smithies front the media to apologise for their behaviour.
• Coach's Response: Ricky Stuart confirms the team is aware of the incident and has addressed it internally.

While the exact details of the argument remain somewhat unclear, 7NEWS reported that the argument started over a misunderstanding regarding sleeping arrangements due to technical issues at the hotel. Some reports suggest the players were joking around and things "got out of hand."

From Maitland to Vegas: The Context Behind Hudson Young

Hudson Young, born on June 11, 1998, in Maitland, New South Wales, is a key player for the Canberra Raiders, primarily playing as a second-rower. He is of Ukrainian descent.

Young's journey to the NRL has been marked by dedication and hard work. He has become a prominent figure in the Raiders' lineup. His on-field performance has earned him recognition as a talented and impactful player.

Morgan Smithies, on the other hand, is a recent addition to the Raiders squad, having joined the team from the Super League. The incident in Las Vegas marks an unfortunate start to his NRL career.

Immediate Effects: Damage Control and Team Focus

The immediate aftermath of the incident has focused on damage control. The Raiders are keen to move past the controversy and concentrate on their performance in the NRL season opener.

• Reputational Impact: The incident has undoubtedly tarnished the Raiders' image, particularly given the high-profile nature of the Las Vegas launch.
• Team Dynamic: While the players involved are reportedly "best mates," the incident may have temporarily strained their relationship.
• NRL Scrutiny: The NRL will likely be keeping a close eye on the Raiders to ensure that the team maintains a high standard of conduct both on and off the field.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and Future Conduct

The Las Vegas incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete. While the players have apologised and the team has addressed the matter internally, the long-term implications remain to be seen.

• Player Conduct: The incident highlights the importance of responsible behaviour, especially when representing a team and the NRL on an international stage.
• Team Culture: The Raiders will need to reinforce their team culture and ensure that players are aware of the standards of conduct expected of them.
• NRL's Stance: The NRL is likely to use this incident as an example to reinforce its commitment to maintaining a positive image for the sport.

The Raiders will be hoping that the Las Vegas incident will be a learning experience for all involved and that the team can move forward and focus on achieving success on the field. For Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies, this means rebuilding trust and demonstrating their commitment to the team and its values.