Wayne Bennett

Bennett questions controversial Slater 'drop-kick' try ruling

Slater drop-kicked the ball for himself close to the line to set up the Storm's opening try in what the NRL has since deemed to be an initial correct ruling by the on-field referee Ashley Klein.

Klein sent the ruling to the Bunker which confirmed the try. Klein then explained to Brisbane captain Darius Boyd that Slater was entitled to drop-kick the ball and didn't have to necessarily kick for the posts.

NRL referees boss Bernie Sutton explained why the correct ruling was made (see video below).

New half Bird gets a pass mark from Bennett

Bird was instrumental in the Brisbane Broncos' 27-18 win over the Warriors – ending the home side's streak of five straight wins.

His shift from centre into the halves came late this week when Kodi Nikorima was ruled out with a leg injury on Friday.

The NSW representative was strong on defence throughout and layed on a crucial try for Jaydn Su'A late in the second half.

Coach Wayne Bennett was at his mumbling best post-match and was careful not to heap the praise on Bird, but acknowledged his half's performance was a "steady" one – and overall a pass mark.

Bennett breaks silence over feud with Brown

Speaking to NRL.com in Auckland on the eve of Saturday's clash with the Warriors, Bennett was quick to hose down the feud, going as far as to say he wasn't even aware of what Brown said in the press conference following Newcastle's 15-10 win.

Brown takes swipe at Bennett after Knights win

Bennett was coach of the Knights for three seasons from 2012-14, before Brown took over in 2016, and was given the task of rebuilding virtually from scratch. 

The former Dragon did not hold back in letting Bennett know that he holds him responsible for leaving the club in such a bad state, ending his post-match press conference after landing the blow.

"The reality is, when Wayne came to town, if he thought with his big head rather than his little head I wouldn’t have had to rebuild the joint," Brown said.

Broncos names side against SP Hunters

Milford will make a return from shoulder surgery off the bench in the match in Port Moresby.

Sam Scarlett will start in the halves alongside Kodi Nikorima, with Milford to join the fray at some stage of the game against the Intrust Super Cup champions of last year.

BRONCOS TEAM TO PLAY PNG HUNTERS

Saturday, 3.30pm (PNG time)

1. Jamayne Isaako

2. Jonus Pearson

3. James Roberts

4. Tom Opacic

5. Jordan Kahu

6. Sam Scarlett

7. Kodi Nikorima

8. Matt Lodge

9. Todd Murphy

Wayne Bennett set to remain England head coach

The 68-year-old's two-year contract with the Rugby Football League ran out after he guided England to the final of the 2017 World Cup but it is believed he has been persuaded to stay on in the job.

The RFL accepted a recommendation from rugby director Kevin Sinfield, the former Leeds and England captain who has conducted a review into the national team's performance at the World Cup, and confirmation of the reappointment of Bennett is expected early next week.

Meninga's photo evidence against Bennett

Reports emerged on Thursday morning that Bennett had called for a crackdown on Australia's tactics, with the master coach claiming that the Kangaroos deliberately slow the ruck by calling on a third defender whose job is to lay on top of teammates who had already completed the tackle. 

Widdop to fullback for new-look England

Regular fullback Jonny Lomax is out with a calf strain, allowing Kevin Brown to come in and partner Luke Gale in the halves. 

Bennett far from satisfied with England

England raced out to a 22-6 lead at halftime but could only manage seven points in the second, with execution an issue for Bennett's side after a remarkable five forward passes were called throughout the encounter.

Bennett satisfied with England effort

England only trailed by eight points late in the match, but Josh Dugan's runaway try sealed the Kangaroos' victory with a minute to play.

"I was pretty happy with it overall actually," he said.