BAD BUNNY BENNETT Souths’ super coach banned after flouting NRL bubble rules
SUPER coach Wayne Bennett has been banned from Friday night’s clash against the Broncos and sidelined for two weeks after breaching the NRL’s strict biosecurity rules.
The NRL has ordered Bennett and Dragons star Paul Vaughan into a 14-day “COVID hold” following separate incidents.
Bennett confirmed he had lunch on Wednesday at the popular Sydney Italian restaurant Grappa with a woman, believed to be his partner.
“We are living in extraordinary times and we must do everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of our players, staff and the community,’’ NRL acting chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
“This is a regrettable decision but today’s actions will operate as an important reminder to our players and staff about the importance of strict adherence to the protocols.”
Both Bennett and Vaughan must isolate from their squads for two weeks and then test negative to COVID-19 before returning.
A fresh twist in Bennett’s costly bite to eat has emerged with the revelation that NSW Health inspectors spotted the coach seated at Grappa.
In charge of performing routine inspections of cafes and restaurants in the area and aware Bennett is bound by bubble restrictions, the two health officers were alarmed to
EXPERIENCED point guard Jarrod Kenny has landed a new NBL contract, with Cairns bringing him back for another campaign.
It will be his third consecutive year with the club after starting his Australian career with championships in Western Australia.
The veteran New Zealander has been a rock solid back-up point guard for over a decade in his local NZ NBL, before making themove over to Australia.
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see the Souths coach, making a point of questioning his presence to Grappa management.
South Sydney coach Bennett was supposed to involved in Friday’s grudge match against his old club Brisbane Broncos and the man who replaced him, Anthony Seibold, but he has been sidelined.
That means Bennett’s assistant Jason Demetriou will take the reins, leaving the 70year-old to watch the clash from his living room.
Bennett said Demetriou was up to the task of coaching the Rabbitohs.
“Of course he is, he will be the head coach in 12 months, so he is ready for the moment,” Bennett said.
Making it even more embarrassing for the NRL is the fact that Bennett was on the Project Apollo committee that formulated the biosecurity laws for coaches, players and staff in the bubble.
A patron at the restaurant contacted News Corp to reveal Bennett was there.
Bennett said confusion over the code’s recent changes to COVID guidelines left him in breach of the protocols.
It is likely the NRL will force Bennett to spend two weeks in isolation.
It is a huge test for the NRL’s leadership because Bennett is close to ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
Under COVID-19 restrictions players, coaches or staff members inside the bubble are prohibited from public places including restaurants.