‘You beat them up’: Wayne defends players as crackdown looms

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has backed players not wanting to speak to media, despite reports the NRL could start cracking down.

After the new broadcast rights agreement was secured last month, reports have suggested the NRL could hand out fines if players dodge media commitments and will meet with the RLPA to make the obligations clear.

Latrell Mitchell has barely spoken in an official capacity for the past two years - something that has caused uproar from people within the game - while Souths teammate David Fifita and Broncos star Reece Walsh are in a similar boat.

But when asked about the potential crackdown on Friday, the legendary coach admitted he would continue to support his players if they didn’t want to front cameras or conduct interviews during the week or after matches.

“I’m a bit of a fan of some of them not being available sometimes,” Bennett said.

“You [media] beat them up big time, and it has an impact on them, there’s no doubt about that. They’re better off saying less and just playing football.

“The NRL can do it [punish clubs] but I’ll stand behind my player every time I think he shouldn’t be in the media and the limelight because of a situation that may have happened or because some journo decided he’s the flavour of the month.

Read more

Millions of dollars in limbo as Bunnies face major roster hurdles

“I’ve seen players driven out of the game in this country because of media exposure, so I’m no fan of just having open slather for players.”

Mitchell’s self-imposed media ban became a huge story during last year’s State of Origin series and early in the 2026 season, before he finally spoke at a mid-week press conference before Campbell Graham’s 150th game.

He has since spent time on the sidelines with calf and back injuries, with no timetable set for the Bunnies superstar’s return at this stage.

Bennett was coy when asked if the 29-year-old’s season was over.

“Good chance that may be the case, it may not either,” he said.

“Why don’t you give him a ring and find out? He doesn’t know and I don’t know.”