Wayne Bennett can tell the NRL who's playing and who isn't
Of course any Bulldogs coach would not have the same pull.
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TEST football has descended into high farce after Broncos coach Wayne Bennett sensationally blocked Anthony Milford from representing Samoa.
Bennett will allow Broncos prop Joe Ofahengaue to play for Tonga in the Pacific Test against Samoa next weekend, but has shut the door on clubmate Milford appearing in the same game.
The Rugby League International Federation last night took aim at Bennett, accusing the Broncos coach, who will also lead England at this year’s Four Nations, of double standards.
At least 10 Broncos players will feature in the NRL’s representative round next week, including Australian quintet Sam Thaiday, Darius Boyd, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire.
Kodi Nikorima, Jordan Kahu, Alex Glenn and Adam Blair will turn out for the Kiwis while Ofahengaue will represent Tonga ... but Bennett will not release Milford for Samoa.
In a week where ARL Commission chairman John Grant preached the importance of Test football, the absence of Milford is a massive blow for the health of the international game.
But Bennett, a long-time advocate of helping minnow nations, was standing firm, confirming Milford will not join Ofahengaue in the Pacific Test at Parramatta’s Pirtek Stadium.
“Anthony Milford is not playing for Samoa,” Bennett said.
“I don’t care what people think.
“I’ve made the call and Anthony will not be playing.”
Bennett’s decision went down like a lead balloon with Samoa coach Matt Parish, who had named Milford at five-eighth for the clash against Tonga.
RLIF development officer Tas Baitieri hit out at Milford being stood down for a Test match his Broncos colleague Ofahengaue will play in.
“It’s double standards,” he said.
“I don’t think an NRL coach has the power to prevent Milford playing.
“If Anthony Milford feels strongly about it, he can tell Wayne Bennett he wants to play.
“The international game will take a hit out of this. Anthony Milford is the form player of the NRL and if he’s not in the Samoan team, it devalues the quality of the game.”
The NRL said last night: “Ultimately the player needs to make the decision around his eligibility pathway and the NRL is comfortable with that decision.”