'He was pretty hard on me': Cameron Murray details relationship change with Wayne Bennett
Cameron Murray has opened up on how his relationship with Wayne Bennett has changed, admitting he was "scared" of the Rabbitohs coach earlier in his career.
The 27-year-old, who is expected to miss the entire season with an Achilles injury, has become the heart and soul of the South Sydney club in recent years.
Murray is one of the game's most respected players and his efforts, both at club and rep level, have catapulted him into rugby league stardom during his career.
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However, despite his undeniable talent from day one, Murray wasn't always seen at the same level by the sport's most accomplished head coach.
Cameron Murray has been sidelined long-term. Getty
In an interview with Nine's 100% Footy, the lock-forward was asked if he feared Bennett during the coach's first stint at Redfern and gave a crystal-clear response.
"Without a doubt," Murray said.
"When he first came here, I was so scared of him and every young kid is. He brings that aura and that reputation of being one of the game's greatest coaches.
"The first year or two, he was pretty hard on me and treated me like a young fella and didn't let me get too close to him."
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When the supercoach first set foot at the Rabbitohs, Murray was just 21 years of age but had already played State of Origin and Test football.
Fast-forward to Bennett's return in 2025 and he's the captain of the proud club.
"He's been really good for me," Murray said.
"He cares about you, he's got a very unique way of showing you that.
"He's come back and it's like we are best mates. I know the dynamic has changed, I'm the captain now and he probably has to liaise and talk to me and bounce ideas off me.
"I'm not used to him speaking to me this much, he's being overly nice."
Wayne Bennett has supported the injured Cameron Murray. Getty
Murray's absence has been felt already at Souths, even with two wins under their belt, and the star will also be unavailable for the NSW Blues later this year.
While the initial setback was tough to overcome, Murray is trying to find the positives.
"'I'm not too bad - the first week or two was tough," he said.
"I'm at peace with it now, it is what it is and it's the unfortunate side to rugby league."
