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Wayne Bennett’s frosty press conference exchange after loss

Wayne Bennett wasn’t in the mood for one reporter on Thursday night as he delivered blunt responses before ultimately having enough.

Wayne Bennett wasn't in the mood
Wayne Bennett wasn't in the mood

Wayne Bennett wasn’t in the mood for being questioned on Thursday night following his side’s loss.

The Dolphins fell to the South Sydney Rabbitohs after a blistering second half from the Bunnies saw them secure the 36-14 win.

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Controversy ensued throughout the contest, but it was the late sin-binning of Kenny Bromwich that got under the skin of Bennett during his post-game press conference.

In the 60th minute Bromwich was sent for 10 minutes after rushing up in kick chase and putting a huge hit on Taane Milne before the bomb had come down, completely misjudging the timing.

At the time of the incident the Rabbitohs were holding a 20-14 lead before scoring three unanswered tries in the 10 minutes Bromwich was off the field.

Bennett was asked about the impact the sin bin had on the contest with the legendary coach delivering a blunt response.

“Were you surprised by the sin bin, or did you think it was fair?” a reporter asked.

“There’s been a lot of sin bins this season,” Bennett said with his arms folded.

“Too many?” the reporter said.

“I haven’t been counting them, but there’s been plenty of them,” Bennett said.

You’re gone. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
You’re gone. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

But it was after being asked about Cody Walker and his output on the contest that was the final straw for Bennett.

Walker recorded three try assists and a four pointer of his own on Thursday night in a playmaking masterclass.

“He was difficult to contain, and I thought he put his stamp on the game, didn’t he?” a reporter asked.

“Yeah sure … we done?” Bennett said walking out of the press conference.

Bennett wasn't in the mood
Bennett wasn't in the mood
It was a masterclass from Walker. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
It was a masterclass from Walker. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Bromwich’s hit came under fire from former teammate Cameron Smith while his brother, Jesse, said he’d be having a word with him about the late shot.

“He’s not normally known to do stupid plays like that, but it was pretty tough on us at that time in the game,” Jesse told Nine.

“I might have a quiet word with him”

Smith said on the coverage: “No eyes for the football at all. And he may have come off second best.

“I’ve played a lot of games with Kenny Bromwich and I’ve never seen him come up with a play like that before. He’s got that timing all wrong.”

The Bromwich hit.
The Bromwich hit.

Controversy struck early in the second half when his 44th minute try left commentators scratching their heads when it appeared the Souths star pushed Dolphins centre Euan Aitken out of the way to get the ball.

While the Bunker didn’t have a problem with it, there were question marks over the try.

Lachlan Ilias put up a pinpoint bomb with Graham snagging the four pointer.

On Channel 9, Johnathan Thurston believed it should have been a penalty to the Dolphins.

“Was that a push in the back from Campbell Graham?” he said.

Darren Lockyer said: “I think this is a penalty. They should be looking at that because he was taken out, Aitken.

“I’m surprised by that, because he had no chance to compete and protect Nikorima. He gets pushed out of the way. I’m surprised by that.”

Originally published as Wayne Bennett’s frosty press conference exchange after loss

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/nrl/wayne-bennetts-frosty-press-conference-exchange-after-loss/news-story/aff4924bbb4a750d734311f9d2e04277