Wayne Bennett’s denial over Gagai must be questioned

Only a couple of weeks ago Wayne Bennett was caught out for not telling the truth about James Roberts’ move to the Rabbitohs so why should we believe him on Dane Gagai, writes Dean Ritchie.

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett seen during a team training session in Sydney, Monday, June 3, 2019. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

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Sorry Wayne but no-one believes you anymore.

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett released a statement on Wednesday denying a story I broke in The Daily Telegraph claiming winger Dane Gagai was considering quitting the Rabbitohs because he wanted to play centre, not wing.

Bennett tried to sound convincing in rubbishing my story but it didn’t work. That’s because Wayne was sprung telling a lie just last month about whether his club was going to sign James Roberts.

What’s the old saying about The Boy Who Cried Wolf?

I staunchly defend my Gagai story. Three different and well-placed sources – who I won’t expose - confirmed Gaga was thinking of leaving Souths.

Wayne Bennett has denied that Dane Gagain wants to depart the Rabbitohs. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

I have been a rugby league writer for nearly 30 years. You don’t survive in such a cutthroat industry by bursting into print with a mistruth.

Bennett said my story was fabricated but why should we believe him?

In early May, when asked whether Roberts would join Souths from Brisbane, Bennett barked back at the media.

“It starts with you guys (media) sitting in coffee rooms and thinking ‘what am I going to make up today’,” Bennett sad.

“We haven’t approached him and James won’t be coming to South Sydney, this year and next year.”

Rubbish.

Dane Gagai has been considering quitting the Rabbitohs in order to play centre elsewhere. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Just three weeks later, Roberts signed a two-and-a-half year deal with South Sydney. What a shock. The signing had been probable for months.

Asked why he lied by Brisbane’s Courier-Mail, a sheepish Bennett admitted: “What we had to do was get everyone off the scent so we could conduct ourselves and the negotiations in a manner in which there wasn’t a lot of fanfare.”

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So that meant lying to the media, fans and the game. And being a smart alec while doing it.

Bennett can be dishonest all he wants but he can’t then expect to be believed the next time he wants to deny a story. He can’t have it both ways.

In Wednesday’s release, Bennett stressed Gagai would be staying.

Wayne Bennett denied James Roberts would join the Rabbitohs but he eventually did. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“I have spoken to Dane this morning about reports in the media today. He has refuted the reports and has said he is very happy playing at the Rabbitohs,” Bennett said.

“He has reiterated that his preferred position is centre, which he has said to me previously, however he is happy to play on the wing, or in fact any position in which the team needs him to play.

“He is committed to the club, he loves playing here, and he has no intention of leaving the club over next few years as per his contract.”

Time will tell who is right – Bennett or myself. I am still predicting Gagai will leave – probably for Gold Coast - after this season.

Let’s see in this case who is making up fibs while sitting in coffee rooms.