Wayne Bennett has been heavily criticised by Super League chief executive Robert Elstone for claiming Ryan Sutton has improved his chances of international recognition by moving to the Canberra Raiders.
During a round of interviews organised by the Rugby Football League to mark his appointment as Great Britain coach for the end-of-season tour Down Under, England and South Sydney mentor Bennett spoke of the impact former Wigan forward Sutton has made since moving to the NRL.
“If he was still here (England), we wouldn’t have seen the potential he has got,” said Rabbitohs boss Bennett.
“It just challenges them over there because the competition is so hard. He’s risen to the occasion.”
Elstone says his clubs have expressed their concern at the comments, claiming they conflict with the aim of Super League to attract and retain the best players.
Elstone said: “Securing and retaining the world’s best players is a priority for Super League.
“Quite rightly – and even more so now as we are nearing discussions around a new broadcast deal – it is seen by our clubs as fundamental to the future success of the competition.
“While several of our leading players have excelled in the NRL and, in all likelihood, more will want to test themselves in that environment, it does feel wrong that the coach of our national team is linking a move to the NRL so closely to the award of international honours.
“None of us should lose sight of the fact that it is the Super League competition that has developed these players and that all aspects of the game on this side of the world will benefit by them staying.”
Elstone’s criticism follows some harsh words from St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus, who hit out over speculation in Australia that Bennett was using his mid-season trip to England to persuade Saints prop Luke Thompson to make the move to the NRL.
Souths chief executive Blake Solly said he had no comment to make on the subject.