Wayne Bennett has hit back at claims made by Matt Lodge regarding his contract, calling out the former Brisbane Bronco for his comments about being left high and dry. The drama surrounding Lodge's contract has been making headlines in recent days, with the prop forward claiming that Bennett had promised him a deal before backtracking.
However, Bennett has now spoken out against these claims, revealing that he had never made any promises to Lodge and that the player had been aware of the situation from the start. The veteran coach also used the opportunity to address rumors of a clean-out at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, revealing that some big names may be on their way out of the club.
Lodge, who has since signed a unique contract with the Manly Sea Eagles that combines football, construction, and boxing, had been vocal about his disappointment with how things played out with Bennett and the Broncos. But Bennett has fired back, saying that Lodge had been fully informed of his situation and that there had been no deceit involved.
The situation has sparked debate in the rugby league community, with some calling out Bennett for his handling of the situation, while others have defended the coach, saying that he had done nothing wrong. The controversy has also raised questions about the state of the game, with some arguing that the constant drama and backroom dealings are damaging the sport's reputation.
Despite the drama, Lodge appears to have landed on his feet, signing a deal with the Sea Eagles that will see him play football, work in construction, and pursue a career in boxing. The unique contract has been hailed as a innovative approach to player development and retention, and could potentially pave the way for similar deals in the future.
Bennett, meanwhile, remains focused on the task at hand, preparing the Rabbitohs for the upcoming season. With a number of big names set to depart the club, there are concerns about the team's chances, but Bennett remains confident, saying that he has a talented squad at his disposal and that they are capable of making a deep run in the competition.
As the drama surrounding Lodge's contract continues to simmer, one thing is certain: the world of rugby league is never short on controversy and surprises. With the new season just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable year of football.