Blues greats Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have backed Spencer Leniu and Latrell Mitchell’s decisions to not speak with the media amid a combined response.
Leniu hasn’t spoken to the media since his incident with Johnathan Thurston final month whereas Mitchell has determined to let his soccer do the speaking to this point this season.
Benny Elias described it as a “blight on the sport” to Large World of Sports activities, whereas Phil Gould reminded them they’ve “obligations” beneath NRL regulation.
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Spencer Leniu is on a media ban. Getty
Nevertheless, Johns says he has “received no downside in any respect” with it.
“I believe it is their very own determination, each the gamers, for no matter cause, whether or not they do not have relationships with sure media shops or really feel like they have been unfairly handled, I see it as their determination to not discuss and we must always respect that,” he stated on Large World of Sports activities’ Freddy and the Eighth.
“I do know there’s contracts and all this but it surely’s these two gamers’ determination and I help it.”
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Fittler warned there could possibly be a precedent set by their actions.
“There must be one thing a bit extra formal I believe,” he stated.
Regardless of that, the previous Blues coach wasn’t essential of the stance from Leniu and Mitchell.
“I do not thoughts it really, the quantity of discuss we do as of late, having Latrell not discuss I believe has added intrigue to the sport,” he stated.
Brad Fittler and Latrell Mitchell. 9/Getty
“I believe that is the place a Wayne Bennett type persona has actually helped our recreation as a result of he really does not discuss and if you happen to take a look at the opposite facet of it there’s a lot over-talking that it is develop into the actual rarity.”
Nevertheless, in the case of Origin soccer, the chance of an enormous speaking level will increase exponentially in comparison with membership matches.
Fittler believes this may current the principle downside with the choice.
“I really feel like in State of Origin there’s going to be moments, and if there’s a massive second we will need to discuss to Latrell or whoever it’s, they might have to intention up,” he stated.
“The gamers signed a cope with the sport so it is between the sport and the gamers that they kind this out, I can settle for that gamers go on media bans for a sure time frame. You may’t simply not discuss to the media without end.”
