Wayne Bennett backs Sam Burgess over comments aimed at NRL

Under-fire South Sydney forward Sam Burgess has been given the vote of confidence by coach Wayne Bennett who praised his star Englishman for giving an open and honest interview.

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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has thrown his unequivocal support behind skipper Sam Burgess after his outspoken criticism of the NRL judiciary system.

Burgess vented his frustrations after missing last week’s NRL final against the Sydney Roosters because of a hair pull, likening the judiciary to a “kangaroo court”.

Burgess has been summoned to NRL headquarters for a “please explain” from CEO Todd Greenberg and threatened with a fine for his comments.

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Wayne Bennett has defended the comments of star forward Sam Burgess. Picture: Joel Carrett

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But Bennett said more players should speak their mind like the Englishman.

“He’s got something to say, he wants to be honest about it, he was,” Bennett said ahead of Friday’s semi-final against Manly.

“What do we want, do we want them all cliched and scripted?

“Because that’s what we’re getting at the moment, 80 per cent of the people that are interviewed are going down the party line.

“Sam’s always been different and that won’t change for him.”

Greenberg on Wednesday said on face value Burgess’ comments breached the game’s code of conduct and were “offensive” to NRL judiciary chairman and Supreme Court Judge Geoff Bellew.

Club co-owner Russell Crowe and GM Shane Richardson watch on at Redfern Oval. Picture: Joel Carrett

Dane Gagai returns from injury to face Manly. Picture: Joel Carrett

Burgess will return from his one-week suspension for their must-win clash against the Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium after essentially being rubbed out because of his poor disciplinary history.

The 30-year-old would have escaped with a fine for his hair pull on the Roosters’ Billy Smith but was ineligible for a monetary penalty because he had already been found guilty of two charges in 2019.

LISTEN! Matty, Finchy and Kenty address “Pokies-gate” and the Broncos self-combustion, Joey Leilua’s fireworks mishap, and how Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler know exactly how to get the best out of their individuals. PLUS, the Roosters had a sleepover at the SCG?!

When asked if Burgess had a point, Bennett said: “Yeah I do. “I think we’ve all felt the frustration of it all.

“He didn’t say anything we didn’t know or feel. He was just brave enough to say it all.” Bennett also denied the episode had been a distraction in the lead up to their must-win clash against the Sea Eagles.

“Not us, we didn’t know what he was going to say,” Bennett said. “We’re not distracted by it.”

Originally published as Wayne Bennett backs Sam Burgess over comments aimed at NRL