Wayne Bennett has laid down the law to any Brisbane players seeking to join their union’s silent protest against the NRL by wearing green tape this week.
The Rugby League Players’ Association has reportedly sent boxes of green tape to clubs for players to wear on their wrists, boots, arms or heads as a show of support for their ongoing negotiations with the NRL over a pay deal.
The protest will begin in Thursday night’s match between Penrith and Canterbury and most players will apparently be taking part.
Bennett believes it is the wrong platform for players to use and expects none of his Broncos will be wearing green tape during Friday night’s clash against Parramatta.
“I have an issue with that. We’re a rugby league team here,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“If the players have got issues with the game, that’s fine – they can do that in negotiations.
“We go out and we represent the club here, and the club is not going to condone that kind of behaviour, I can tell you.
“The fans want to watch them play football, they want them dressed properly in their playing gear.
“That’s the image of the club and that’s what I’ll uphold every day of the week.”
Bennett said none of his players have approached him to discuss the matter, which he has taken to mean none of them will partake in the protest against the Eels.
“No-one’s come near me so I’ve got to assume nothing’s happening from our point of view. But someone better come and talk to me about it,” he said.
It is the second time players have shown public support for their cause, with some having worn RLPA caps during media opportunities in the lead-up to State of Origin II.
Bennett said he had no problems with that because it wasn’t on his watch.
“My issue is what happens here at the Broncos,” he said.
The RLPA is seeking a 29 per cent share of rugby league’s revenue, a demand which is proving the major stumbling block in their talks with the NRL.