The Brisbane Broncos chief executive, Dave Donaghy, has responded to rumors suggesting that former assistant coach Ben Te'o was overlooked for a coaching position with the QLD Maroons.
Donaghy expressed concerns that the Broncos' program would suffer if Te'o were to be absent during the crucial Origin period.
With key staff like Matt Ballin also involved in Billy Slater's coaching team, Donaghy faced the difficult choice of not giving approval for Te'o's appointment.
"The thing you need to understand is the NRL is the toughest game in the world," Donaghy stated during his appearance on Triple M's The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott.
"It's 24 games and 24/7. We want the staff to experience Origin, but we can't have too many of them… we contribute Matt Ballin, [strength coach] Patty Kenny… that's a significant contribution.
"How far do you go?
"We've got to prioritise the program and requirements of the staff through the Origin period. It's a challenge, and there are always different opportunities that arise for different staff, but we weren't able to approve that for Ben in this instance. You can't weaken your program."
Recently, speculation has intensified that this situation may have contributed to Te'o's resignation.
Donaghy's comments follow a heated confrontation between coach Michael Maguire and Te'o before their recent victory, which may have triggered his departure from the team.
According to reports from News Corp, the two had a dispute over dinner prior to the game, and a subsequent crisis meeting on Monday was unable to resolve their differences.