Wayne Bennett says his opinion of Adam Blair’s tackling style is the only one that matters

WAYNE Bennett has told critics of Adam Blair’s tackling style that his opinion is the only one that counts when it comes to the Kiwi’s place at the Broncos.

Wayne Bennett says his opinion of Adam Blair’s tackling style is the only one that matters. Pic Annette Dew

WAYNE Bennett has told critics of Adam Blair’s tackling style that his opinion is the only one that counts when it comes to evaluating the Kiwi hardman’s place at the Broncos.

Bennett mounted a staunch defence of Blair’s technique after former Broncos and Kangaroos forward Gorden Tallis labelled him a dirty player in the wake of the trans-Tasman Test.

Tallis said Blair’s chicken wing on Broncos teammate Sam Thaiday proved he was a “dirty” player and claimed he intentionally tried to hurt opponents.

“I am disappointed he wears the Broncos jersey and plays like that,” Tallis said.

Blair’s grade one dangerous contact charge resulted in a one week suspension, a major blow for Brisbane going into Saturday’s clash with Manly at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos took the early plea, an admission Blair had overstepped in his aggression.

“It is his opinion and he’s entitled to it,’’ Bennett said of Tallis’ comments. “The opinion that matters the most is my own opinion.

New Zealand's Adam Blair performs a chicken wing tackle teammate Sam Thaiday.

“Adam is an extremely valued player here. I have coached a few guys and a few mugs along the journey and Adam is no mug. He’s got no problems with this coach.

“He’s wonderful with our young players here and there’s no one that does a better job with that.

“When this all blew up he wasn’t playing for us. We can’t be responsible for something when he’s not here.’’

The Broncos will also be missing hooker Andrew McCullough and back-rower Alex Glenn.

All three were effectively missing in Brisbane’s loss to Cronulla with Glenn injuring his calf early in the game, Blair suspended for a high tackle on Adam Reynolds and McCullough’s knee injured.

The Broncos were poor against Cronulla in the first half but rallied from 28-6 down before losing 30-28.

“We just didn’t get off the bus, for whatever reason,” Bennett said.

“We have three of our top players missing, so we can’t afford to worry too much about (Manly).”

The Sea Eagles have been smashed with injuries, with Brett Stewart and Steve Matai both out and Tom Trbojevic facing a fitness test to take place in the side.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett says his opinion of Adam Blair’s tackling style is the only one that matters