LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Wayne Bennett, coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, expressed his frustration with the NRL following a weekend that saw a record 18 players sent to the sin bin.
Bennett voiced his concerns after the Rabbitohs lost Latrell Mitchell in the second half of their match against the Melbourne Storm, with Mitchell receiving a one-game ban for a collision with Sua Fa'alogo.
This decision sparked divisive opinions among fans, though former NRL player Mat Rogers defended Mitchell, believing he should participate in the upcoming Magic Round.
Coaches in 2025 face challenges, as they cannot openly criticize certain decisions without risking fines, leading to an environment of silence or vague remarks in post-game press conferences.
In response to the recent chaos, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo stated that there would be "less intervention" from the bunker in future games after players were penalized for challenges from earlier sets.
Despite this, Bennett did not hold back in his criticism of the NRL.
During an appearance on Triple M Radio, he was informed that the NRL would not retrospectively penalize players during Magic Round, as they did in round eight.
Bennett's irritation with the officiating process was evident when he stated, "It shouldn't have started.
I got no idea what goes through their minds, these people.
We pay them a lot of money to do a job.
We are in the football department and have to produce performances on the field, these guys are in the back rooms but they have got to get their stuff together and got to get it right.
Three or four years ago this happened, nobody wanted it then...it's absolutely rubbish."
As the league prepares for Magic Round, Bennett's comments reflect a growing frustration among coaches, players, and fans in the evolving landscape of the NRL.