LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Wayne Bennett has fired back at Gorden Tallis after being accused of a 'disrespectful' move, with NRL legend Tallis taking a swing at Bennett over his absence at the NRL Hall of Fame dinner where Ron Coote was named as the sport's 14th Immortal.
Bennett, a coaching maestro whose name is etched in Rugby League history, was meant to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the prestigious event at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but pulled out at the eleventh hour.
The controversial decision came hot on the heels of Darryl Brohman's announcement that he would boycott the event in protest of Les Boyd's induction.
Eschewing the glitz and glamour of the ceremony, Bennett tapped his mate Sam Burgess to accept the award on his behalf, a move that raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging in the Rugby League world.
Despite his status as one of the greatest coaches the sport has ever seen, Bennett is known for shying away from the spotlight and preferring to keep a low profile.
But Tallis, never one to mince his words, made it clear that he believed Bennett's absence was a step too far in terms of disrespect.
Whether this controversy will have any long-term impact on Bennett's legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - this sporting feud has added an extra layer of drama to an already eventful NRL season.