Sport Confidential: Former NRL CEO settles score with Bennett, Ponga no Origin certainty
Wayne Bennett believes ‘the entire rugby league world revolves around him’ is just one of the savage sledges served up by a former NRL chief. That and more in Sport Confidential.
Former NRL CEO David Moffett has launched a stunning unprompted attack on super coach Wayne Bennett.
Moffett was head of the NRL from 1999-2001 and said former Brisbane Broncos coach Bennett was his most disliked character in the game.
“Controversy follows Bennett like a bad fly,” Moffett said on his online show MoffCast (see below).
“He was the hardest guy I ever had to deal with when I was at the NRL, bar none.
“I didn’t like him, he didn’t like me. That’s the way it goes. I never held any grudges against him, I just didn’t like the guy … mainly because he believed, and I think he still does, that the entire rugby league world revolves around him.
“To a large extent I suppose it does, but that wasn’t my view. But there were other guys like (coaches) ‘Sticky’ (Ricky Stuart), Brian Smith that I got along really well with.”
Moffett was interviewing rugby league journalist Steve Mascord before launching into a completely unprompted tirade about Bennett.
Bennett has won seven first grade premierships at the Broncos and Dragons and is expansion club the Dolphins’ foundation coach ahead of their NRL entry next year.
SLATER’S HIGH PRAISE FOR PONGA RIVAL
Kalyn Ponga faces a fight to retain the Queensland No. 1 jersey after new Maroons coach Billy Slater declared the Origin fullback race was wide open.
Ponga is not only under pressure to get Newcastle’s NRL season firing following a lacklustre start to the year after inking a $6 million contract extension to remain at the Knights.
But he is now facing competition from the likes of Warriors whiz kid Reece Walsh, Titans dynamo AJ Brimson and Cowboys speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for the prestigious Queensland fullback jersey.
Ponga’s form has been sluggish this season on the back of a knee injury and Newcastle’s struggles.
He has only managed four games for the Maroons since debuting in 2018 due to injuries and is no certainty to be picked for Origin I in Sydney on June 8.
Fullback is the only uncertain spine position for the Maroons, with halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, five-eighth Cameron Munster and hooker Harry Grant all in great club form.
Slater, Queensland’s greatest ever fullback with 31 Origin appearances, said the state was blessed with talented custodians and he was watching them closely.
“Kalyn has been trying really hard. His team hasn’t been going overly well but I see a lot of effort in his game and I know what he’s capable of,” Slater said.
“Reece had a week with the team last year (before Game Two). He trained really well. I was across all of his stuff at training and I was sad for him when he went down with a hamstring injury in captain’s run. He had a great week and I’m sure he will benefit from being part of that preparation.
“We’ve got a whole heap of players in different positions. Brimson has gone to five-eighth and shown some real class. Val Holmes has moved to centre, where we haven’t had a lot of depth in. There’s a lot of things to think about.
“With me understanding the fullback position, watching the likes of Kalyn, Reece and Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) has been enjoyable.
“We’ve got some really talented young players coming through when you look at the fullbacks.”
Ponga sat out the first two games of last year’s series with injury but made a noticeable difference in Queensland’s dead-rubber win.
After starting the season at five-eighth for the Titans, Brimson will shift back to fullback on Friday night against the Panthers and made his Origin debut in 2020 in his favourite position.
Walsh has improved his defence this season and is a genuine Origin prospect after being picked for Game Two last year, only to be ruled out on match eve.
Ponga may be the frontrunner for the No. 1 jersey but he will want to find some form before Slater picks his Origin I team in a month’s time.
SNOOP, SHAQ ATTACK: NRL TITANS STREAKER GOES VIRAL
The infamous Gold Coast Titans streaker that was crash-tackled by a security guard became such an internet sensation that she attracted comments from American rapper Snoop Dogg and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Javon Johanson avoided a potential $5000 fine after issuing a series of grovelling apologies to the Titans, NRL and security guard that was attacked following his textbook tackle at Cbus Super Stadium.
The magistrate decided that Johanson had suffered enough punishment from the public shaming that followed her moment of madness.
Sport Confidential can reveal that global celebrities like Snoop and Shaq even came across the footage as it made its way around the world.
Broncos ready to blood teen
The Broncos are set to blood one of their most exciting whiz kids of the past decade with Ezra Mam closing in on his NRL debut.
Coach Kevin Walters has hailed the 19-year-old playmaking sensation as the future of the Broncos and revealed his plan to blood Mam in the top grade later this season.
The classy teenager was the Queensland Cup’s rookie of the year last season and has scored 16 tries from as many games for feeder-club Souths Logan as he bangs down the door for Broncos selection.
Mam, who has the speed and footwork of a young Anthony Milford, has already been promoted to a full-time contract and Walters confirmed the Indigenous young gun is on track to make his NRL debut this year.
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“He is not far away,” Walters said.
“Ezra has great talent, but we don’t want to bring him in too early into a team that isn’t playing consistent footy, because he will be under the most pressure. He is still learning his trade and he is a good talent. He will get his chance in the near future.
“He has that X-factor.
“One of the things he has been working hard on is his defence and his running game, it’s very good. Sometimes players don’t focus on their strengths and get their weaknesses up, which is not my theory. It’s important to work on your weaker areas but his strength is his running game and he needs to continue to build on that. I noticed in the Queensland Cup, when he is running the ball, good things are happening.”
Mam got a taste of senior football with his debut in Brisbane’s opening trial against Wynnum Manly in February and he was outstanding, giving Walters confidence the rookie can handle to step up to NRL.
While Mam is only a teenager, his progress will be helped by having the experience of champion halfback Adam Reynolds to guide him along.
“I haven’t put a timeline on (when he plays NRL), but he’s got some talent and we need to see how good that talent is at the next level,” Walters said.
“Ezra has been patient and he needs to be.
“It’s a key position and the more he can play and learn at the lower levels, the better he will be for us when it’s time for him to be playing first grade.
“He is the future, no question about that, but right now we have gone with some senior players to get the job done.
“We look forward to when Ezra gets his opportunity that he will be right to go and be a long-term prospect.”
Pearls of wisdom for Selwyn
Broncos legend Steve Renouf has called for new Queensland coach Billy Slater to hand Brisbane teenage sensation Selwyn Cobbo his Origin debut.
Renouf, who hails from Murgon just 6km away from Cobbo’s hometown of Cherbourg, has taken on a mentoring role with the young gun and believes the Indigenous flyer is ready for the Origin arena.
It’s a huge call from Renouf given that Cobbo has played just 15 NRL games since his shock debut against the Dragons last June.
But with Queensland’s backline set for a revamp this season under rookie coach Slater, former Maroons centre wizard Renouf is adamant Cobbo would handle the pressures of Origin.
Xavier Coates and Kyle Feldt are frontrunners for wing spots, but Cobbo has impressed this season with his fearless kick returns and finishing ability, as evidenced by his superb effort to win the race for an Adam Reynolds grubber last week.
“I would look at Selwyn for State of Origin. If he keeps playing like he is, I would give him a go,” Renouf said.
“He is a machine and he is already one of the best emerging wingers in the NRL.
“You have to understand there are little things he does that make him so special.
“I agree he is still raw but some of the efforts he puts in around bringing the ball out of the in-goal are impressive. He does those little things and that is built in him, he makes those efforts and backs himself.
“He wouldn’t be overawed by Origin. This is his breakthrough year and I think he has the size and the strength to handle Origin.
“His composure for a young guy has blown me away.
“I have been doing some mentoring with Selwyn and one thing I like is if he makes an error, he doesn’t drop his bundle. He stood up to Josh Addo-Carr (NSW and Bulldogs winger) last week and that tells me that he could step up at Origin level.”
Cowboys hero in Origin frame
Jason Taumalolo has earmarked Cowboys cult hero Reuben Cotter to be a future North Queensland captain as the energiser bunny bolted into Maroons Origin contention.
Cotter has been a revelation for the resurgent Cowboys this season and became a fan favourite in Townsville.
At 97kg, Cotter is one of the smallest middle forwards in the game but plays his heart out and competes for every play.
He could be a valuable bench player for the Maroons given he can play anywhere in the forward pack and Cowboys co-captain Taumalolo said Cotter had leadership written all over him.
“He plays with a lot of heart,” he said.
“Reubs is a tough player. For someone his size, to carry himself in the middle against guys who are 120kg shows how much heart he’s got.
“I can see a future captain in Reubs. He is someone the club can build a team around.
“He can play hooker, up front, anywhere in the forward pack. He has got a good passing game and running game too. He can be anything for us.
“He always puts 100 per cent in and that’s all you can ask from your teammates. He will continually be one of the key cogs for us.”
Sam’s shock World Cup approach
Roosters young gun Sam Walker has fielded inquiries from two nations – England and Papua New Guinea – in the lead-up to this year’s World Cup.
Yes, that’s right, don’t blink. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The mighty Kumuls have made contact with the Walker family asking if 19-year-old Sam would be interested in donning PNG colours at the end-of-year World Cup showpiece in England.
Sport Confidential understands Walker’s great uncle once had a stint playing in the Papua New Guinea domestic league. That inspired hope that Sam might qualify for PNG via the most tenuous of family links, but alas, it was close but no cigar for the Kumuls.
Walker, however, genuinely qualifies for the Poms. He was born in England in 2002 while his father Ben was starring for Leeds in the Super League.
It is understood English authorities have reached out to Walker, but the Ipswich sensation has pledged his allegiance to Au
Dolphins flip out over Herbie
The battle for the signature of Herbie Farnworth is hotting up with the off-contract Broncos centre to tour the Dolphins’ facilities next week.
The Broncos have fired the first salvo, formally kicking off negotiations and tabling an extended deal to keep Farnworth at Red Hill until at least the end of 2024.
But Farnworth will not make a definitive call until he inspects the set-up of the NRL’s 17th team and meets for talks with Dolphins super coach Wayne Bennett.
The British flyer has fielded interest from at least four NRL clubs, with Parramatta among the potential suitors, but Farnworth is tipped to remain on Queensland soil.
The Broncos are unfazed by Farnworth’s talks with the Dolphins and have praised his mature handling of his contract situation. The 22-year-old has kept Broncos bosses informed of his progress and hopes to make a decision in the next month.
The Dolphins have offered Farnworth the right centre position, said to be his preferred spot, but the Broncos believe they have the funds under the salary cap to keep the classy outside back.
Herman’s moment of madness
Titans prop Herman Ese’ese insists he has learnt from last year’s Magic Round meltdown ahead of his return to the NRL.
Ese’ese will make his first appearance for the Titans since he was sent off for a shocking high tackle on Penrith’s Brian To’o at Suncorp Stadium in round 10 last year.
In the last game of the controversial Magic Round high contact crackdown, Ese’ese came racing out of the line and nearly took To’o’s head off.
He hasn’t played an NRL game since, but will make his return against the Panthers at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night.
On a contract worth $450,000-a-season, Ese’ese has been a major disappointment for the Titans and only managed three games since joining the club last year.
But he is ready to make amends for his failures and wants to make an impact against the unbeaten Panthers.
“I definitely learned a lot from that game, I’m a changed man now,” he said.
“I try to inspire my teammates when I come on and bring some energy off the bench.
“Being back at home against a top team, there is definitely a lot of motivation going into this game.”
Two Tongan torpedoes
Kotoni Staggs and Siosifa Talakai may have opposed each other in the Broncos-Sharks clash at Suncorp Stadium but they could find themselves as Tongan teammates at the end-of-year World Cup.
While Staggs and Talakai are in the mix to make their Origin debuts for the Blues in the coming months, they are also shaping up a devastating centre pairing for Tonga’s 2022 Cup campaign in the northern hemisphere.
Tonga were the success story of the last World Cup in 2017, charging into the semi-finals against England, who narrowly won 20-18 before a pro-Mate Ma’a crowd of 30,000 at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.
Staggs and Talakai were not part of that campaign, but the duo have since become NRL regulars and are certain to be chosen by Tongan coach Kristian Woolf.
Should the blockbusting pair be chosen for NSW, it will not affect their international eligibility for the World Cup because Tonga are rated a second-tier nation.
Broncos flyer Staggs played two Tests for Tonga in 2019, while 100kg wrecking ball Talakai has yet to appear in red, although he is a shoo-in for selection given his incredible form for Cronulla in the opening two months of the NRL season.
Sexton steps up
Titans halfback Toby Sexton is having a tough initiation to the NRL at the battling Gold Coast this year but is showing maturity beyond his years.
Sexton, 21, has been thrown in the deep end after being given the Titans’ No. 7 duties with little senior playmaking support around him.
But despite his on-field struggles, Sexton is carrying himself well around the club.
A communication breakdown at Parkwood this week saw AJ Brimson leave training before he completed scheduled media commitments.
Sexton stepped up to the plate with no notice and fronted the cameras, answering some tough questions about the Titans’ form.
Dogs fitness guru under fire
Former Bulldogs star Michael Ennis has questioned the role of Canterbury high performance chief Dan Ferris when it comes to the club’s struggles.
The Bulldogs blew a solid start against the Broncos last week and ended up suffering 34-14 loss at Suncorp Stadium when an upset was on the cards.
Ferris cut his teeth at the Gold Coast Titans before following Trent Barrett to Manly, returning to the Titans under Garth Brennan, and then linking up with Barrett again at Canterbury.
After the game, Ennis questioned why Canterbury players appeared to be underprepared for the rigours of the NRL.
“I’ve got concerns over the Dogs’ fitness,” Ennis said on Fox League.
“At the moment they’ve got a guy there looking after their high performance, and I’m not saying it’s solely his responsibility. When they run out of gas, they run out of gas quickly.
“He’s been at Manly, the Titans and now the Bulldogs. He’s been with Barrett along the way and you build trust and relationships as coach and high performance.
“But they finished 13th in 2016 at Manly, sixth in 2017, 15th in 2018, he went to the Titans and they came last (2019) then ran ninth. Last year the Bulldogs came last.
“He has made the finals only once in the high performance role. I have some concerns about the Bulldogs’ fitness and being able to last 80 minutes because I know how difficult it was to get through Bulldogs training sessions being a player there.”
Reality bites for Fitzy
Craig Fitzgibbon has had a superb start to his NRL coaching career at Cronulla but he admits the job is not as easy as it seems.
Long viewed as one of the code’s next wave of top coaches, Fitzgibbon has had an impressive start at the Sharks, who have been the surprise packets in the opening two months of the 2022 premiership.
After a long apprenticeship under Roosters super coach Trent Robinson, Fitzgibbon is off to a flyer in the Shire, but he opened up about the pressures of being the main man.
“To be honest, I probably underestimated how challenging the job is,” he told Sport Confidential.
“I didn’t realise the weight of decision-making, you have to be clear and you have to get your decisions right and it takes a lot of time to get it right.
“I can’t say I’ve made it by any means. It’s only been eight rounds. I have a long way to go. I had 10 years with ‘Robbo’ and the level of education under him was amazing. He is such a good teacher and a close friend, so I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me.
“That’s the whole point of taking an opportunity. You want to test yourself in the NRL. I wasn’t sure if I could do well, you never are, it’s very hard, you have to get a lot of things right and it’s only early days for me as a head coach.”
Spotted
Former rugby star Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins signing up for the rural fire brigade in the Gold Coast hinterland. He is now living in the region.
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