Tallis backs Bennett on stopping Roos ruck
Dec 1, 2017 - 4:30 PM For once, Gorden Tallis agrees with Wayne Bennett. Australia's spoiling ruck tactics must be stopped in the Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane.Tallis may have fallen out with Bennett during his time with Brisbane but the former Broncos captain has backed the England coach's crusade to stop Australia slowing down the ruck to ensure an open final.
The former Test captain even admitted he wouldn't mind if Australia lost because of the potential enormous benefit England league would gain.
In a News Corp Australia report, Bennett provided 26 examples of the Kangaroos using a third defender to lay on top of teammates to spoil the ruck and slow down their opposition.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga responded on Friday by producing seven pictures that he claimed showed England using the same tactics.
Tallis surprisingly had Bennett's back over the issue.
"Mal and Wayne have had a few tiffs over the last couple of years but I would have to jump on Wayne's side - Australia do wrestle better than anyone else," he told a Rugby League World Cup function on Friday.
"Watch the NRL, Melbourne are the best wrestling side in the comp.
"He (Bennett) obviously wants the ref to give a couple of penalties early to keep Australia back and I am all for that.
"I want an open game of footy and if England get it right then they can trump anyone."
Asked who would win the final, Tallis said: "For me I want Australia to win but if England win it would give their game a huge injection and to help growing the game (in the UK).
"If England win and it was a good game of footy, I would be happy for them to win so the game over there can go forward."
Tallis admitted Bennett's ruck claims were a classic diversionary tactic from the master coach.
"He loves to send the media on a wild goose chase," he said.
"I think it is fantastic because players don't seem to do it much any more because they don't want to give the opposition any ammunition.
"It makes sure all of Wayne's players will be nice and relaxed coming into this game."
Source: AAP
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