Wayne Bennett, the coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has expressed his backing for players who choose to avoid the media spotlight.
He is pushing back against speculation that the NRL is considering stricter measures against players who skip media obligations.
This discussion gained traction following the announcement of a significant $5.3 billion broadcasting rights deal last month, with rumors suggesting clubs could face fines for player no-shows.
In addition, reports suggest that the NRL plans to meet with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) to clarify the expectations surrounding media commitments.
Latrell Mitchell, a star player for the Rabbitohs, is well-known for maintaining a low profile regarding official duties, having only broken his media silence once this season.
His singular appearance was made to celebrate Campbell Graham's 150th NRL game.
This position has caused significant frustration among various stakeholders within the sport.
Mitchell isn't the only player taking this approach; teammates like David Fifita and Broncos' Reece Walsh have similarly avoided the media spotlight.
When asked about the potential crackdown during a media session on Friday, Bennett voiced his intention to continue protecting his players from mandatory interviews when necessary.
"I'm a bit of a fan of some of them not being available sometimes," Bennett stated on Friday.
He acknowledged the heavy toll that media scrutiny can impose on players' wellbeing.