Wayne Bennett has hit back at critics of the NRL’s tough foul-play stance, declaring the game isn’t soft when players stick to the rules.
The NRL’s judiciary has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, most recently with the five-week ban handed down to Brisbane forward Tevita Pangai for a crusher tackle on James Maloney.
Pangai was ruled out of the Broncos’ clash with Bennett’s South Sydney on Friday night and will only play again if Brisbane reach week three of the finals.
That ban was labelled “unfair” by Brisbane teammate Joe Ofahengaue this week, while St George Illawarra prop James Graham claimed it was “over the top”.
Phil Gould went one step further last week, claiming doctors and lawyers would put an end to the game in 20 years if concerns over safety continued.
But Bennett bit back at any such suggestion, saying the issue was with misbehaving players and not the game’s officials.
“We’ve got to get that right in the heads, the game has always been about physical intimidation but there are rules,” the Souths coach said.
“You’ve got to play within the rules. Believe me, the physical intimidation is still there.”
“I think Graham Annesley said it best: go and put some boots on and have a run and see how tough and physical it is.
“We’re not losing the toughness of the game, but no one wants the thuggery in the game.
“Blokes are getting rubbed out because they are doing things outside the rules.”
Maloney had been critical of Pangai’s hit, claiming he had heard his neck crack after Pangai came down on him as he sat on the ground.
Pangai’s suspension was extended to five weeks because of his not guilty plea and the fact he has had three previous offences.
However Broncos coach Anthony Seibold said on Thursday he wouldn’t speak to the powerful forward about curbing his aggression.
“At some stage T (Pangai) and I will sit down and but I don’t think there has been foul play in the last two incidents he has been suspended for,” Seibold said.
kimboinbrisbane
Roar Rookie
They are serving the time they deserved to. Can the same be said for Sam Burgess? And last night....... seeing as Souths are protected species, I watch with interest what the MRC will do about James Roberts cowardly thuggery and Su’a’s double on Alex Glenn and another elbow on Joe O. Let’s see Bennett back up his comments about supporting the NRL in wanting to get rid of thuggery. Let’s see him help by eradicating it in his own team. Let’s see him walk the talk!!
Bloke7
Roar Rookie
"Roberts should have been sent off, meaning the Broncos probably would have won. And Roberts should get 5 weeks at least." Bennett in the post match interview?
Andrew
Roar Rookie
Yeah this didn’t age well at all ????
Matt
Guest
I wonder if he'll change his tune if Roberts gets five weeks for that dog shot on Oates tonight...
Declan
Roar Rookie
Its not just the tackle that gave him 5 weeks. Pangai has had multiple incidents this year and really has a temper problem. He makes forceful contact on players without the ball, he charges at exposed ribs from metres away. I love a good grub like Ennis or Reynolds but Pangai is just a thug and he needs to settle down with the careless tackles or he will seriously injure someone.
Sideline Eye
Guest
Bennett was GOD while coaching Broncos. Now he has gone "to the other side" he is ridiculed in Brisbane. Not surprising as DCE was booed after bailing out on the Titans (sensible decision) however was applauded in Origin. As far as recent examples of thuggery, names coming to mind include TPJ, Lodge, Twerpin & McGuire. What do they have in common?
Peter
Guest
And what, pray tell, dear kimbo, do you make of the thugs playing for Brisbane?
Nat
Roar Guru
I tend to agree but in fairness he is referring to the likes of Gould making their ridiculous statements against the NRL who are actively trying to do something about the thuggery.
Nat
Roar Guru
says the pot to the kettle...
Nick
Roar Guru
We don't need to thank God for that...just his cowardice. He'd never take a up a position within the NRL employ. How else would he be able to snipe at the NRL and whinge and moan and offer no meaningful solution to anything if he works for them. We thank God is is a gutless wonder who never puts his money where his mouth is.
kimboinbrisbane
Roar Rookie
When Wayne Bennett does something (like sack or otherwise get rid of) the recalcitrant thugs called Sam and George Burgess, I’ll give weight to his utterings on the subject. At the moment his comments smell of hypocrisy.
Paul
Roar Guru
thank God he's not on the judiciary. Not only would most pieces of foul play be dismissed, we'd probably end up with more guys sitting out games injured, thanks to more & more "accidents". Gould needs to give it away and go and play with his grandkids.
Nick
Roar Guru
On his podcast (again...the best thing to listen to while running. Comedy gold) he was saying that it wasn't even worth a sin-bin, and we have to stop punishing accidental play. Mystifying.
Paul
Roar Guru
Phil Gould and all the other dinosaurs can say what they like, when a bloke with Bennett's track record comes out with comments like this about the toughness of the game & the need to stamp out thuggery, you'd be a fool not to listen.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Is Seibold the full quid?