Bennett explains ceremony snub after Tallis blast

Gorden Tallis has fired up over Wayne Bennett’s decision to snub his own induction into the rugby league Hall of Fame.
Bennett opted against attending the ceremony at the SCG on Wednesday night for “personal reasons”, and had former South Sydney star Sam Burgess accept the ring and jacket on his behalf.
Tallis, one of Bennett’s former Broncos pupils, wasn’t happy Bennett skipped the event, and pointed out Burgess’ own commitment by flying from the UK to attend the evening.
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He even suggested skipping the event was a sign of disrespect to the game.
“I’m a little bit disappointed for the game because I’ve been to so many Broncos presentations and when Wayne talks it’s so beautiful about the game and I know what it means to him,” Tallis told Fox Sports’ NRL 360.
Wayne Bennett was inducted into the rugby league Hall of Fame, but opted to skip the event. NRL Photos
“When you’ve got Sam flying out from England, who’s made a rushed trip, and I jump on a plane every week for work and know it can be a pain in the bottom when you’re coaching.
“But the respect for the game (would be) Wayne coming in and grabbing that jacket, because I know how much he loves the game and what the game meant to him.
“I’m a little bit disappointed for Wayne not talking and getting up there and getting a jacket in front of all those people.”
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Bennett and Jack Gibson were the first two coaches inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Bennett told The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday his decision to skip the ceremony had nothing to do with football.
“It was a personal reason. I won’t discuss it. I just couldn’t be there,” he said.
“I made a decision about what was a priority and the most important thing. It was as simple as that.
“I didn’t think they wouldn’t miss I wasn’t there. But it had nothing to do with the game, nothing to do with last night, it has nothing to do with anyone there.”
Bennett said it was “overwhelming” and “humbling” to receive the accolade.
Burgess said he only found out Bennett wasn’t going to be attending on Wednesday morning.
“Wayne rang me this morning and said ‘will you collect my jacket for me?’ – He can’t make it, unfortunately,” Burgess said.
“I’m thrilled to be here and thrilled to be inducted.”
Burgess is currently head coach of the Warrington Wolves in the Super League. The Wolves played on Sunday morning (AEST), and Burgess will be back on the sideline for their next game on Saturday morning (AEST). He would’ve been on the ground in Australia barely 48 hours.
“We’ve got Castleford over there. My staff have been great, they’ve run the week,” he said.
“We’re really in a good little swing at the moment. Our senior guys are taking over which allowed me the opportunity to come back. We’ve got a big game Friday night where we’re chasing top spot.”