Wayne Bennett stands by his decision to bring Andrew Gee into the coaches’ box

WAYNE Bennett’s strained relationship with Broncos CEO Paul White is again under the spotlight after it was revealed Bennett invited banned former official Andrew Gee into the coaches’ box without White’s knowledge.

Former Brisbane official and player Andrew Gee (right) in the Broncos' coaches box during the elimination final loss the St George Illawarra.

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WAYNE Bennett’s strained relationship with CEO Paul White has flared again after the Broncos coach blindsided club powerbrokers by inviting former official Andrew Gee into his coaches’ box for Sunday’s disastrous loss to the Dragons.

The Courier-Mail can reveal White was unaware of Bennett’s plans to invite Gee into Brisbane’s inner sanctum, four years after he quit his role as general manager of football operations at the club.

The NRL black-banned Gee from an official return to the game in 2014 after he refused to answer questions surrounding the league’s investigation into a potential $450,000 salary cap scandal at the Broncos.

The Broncos were later cleared of any wrongdoing with the NRL stating its investigation was limited partly due to Gee’s refusal to be interviewed.

Gee (top right) was spotted in Brisbane’s coaches’ box on Sunday.

Former Queensland Origin star Gee has not been sighted in an official capacity at the Broncos since, before making a shock appearance behind Bennett in the coaches’ box on Sunday.

Bennett secured Gee entry into the box by using a generic accreditation pass, without a name and photograph, given the NRL would have denied any official attempt by the Broncos to have him accredited for the game.

It is understood Broncos officials only learned of Gee’s invitation when he joined the team in camp at South Bank on Sunday afternoon just hours before the game.

Bennett’s actions have gone down like a lead balloon with White and the club’s board, who will meet in the coming weeks to decide the coach’s future and are almost certain to end his tenure after next season.

Bennett and White’s relationship broke down this season over the club’s rejection of Bennett’s proposal to coach the Broncos in 2020 and Brisbane’s clandestine bid to poach Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy.

White and Gee worked together at the Broncos for many years.

Last month’s infamous “barbecue wars” further divided the club before Bennett and White agreed to smoke the peace pipe as Brisbane looked to snap a 12-year NRL premiership drought.

But the appearance of Gee at the sudden death final has again sparked tensions between the two biggest figures at the Broncos.

Gee, 48, played 255 games for the Broncos under Bennett between 1989-2003 and the coach was adamant there was no reason he should not be allowed in the coaches’ box.

“It’s still a free country, am I right or wrong?” Bennett said.

“I didn’t tell the NRL I’m bringing him to the game. He’s not a criminal. What’s wrong with you guys?

“Did he come in unaccredited? He had something around his neck.

“How long ago was that (the salary-cap probe)? He’s a friend of mine, he can come and sit in the box with me any time he wants.

Gee was a no-nonsense prop under Bennett.

“It (the investigation) cost him his job didn’t it? He’s not working for the NRL, he’s not working for the Broncos.

“Can he sit in the stands as a fan? He can come and sit with me as well.”

The NRL has sought an explanation from the Broncos over Gee’s appearance and is likely to issue the club a formal caution to not invite him again.

The NRL approves all club employees as “registered officials” and would reject Gee if the Broncos looked to bring him back.

Bennett on Monday stood by his decision to invite Gee while White did not return The Courier-Mail’s calls.

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