The Brisbane Broncos have seemingly escaped punishment over coach Wayne Bennett’s curious decision to invite ex-general manager of football operations Andrew Gee into the coaching box for their elimination final loss to St George Illawarra.
Gee, who played 255 games for the Broncos, quit the club in controversial circumstances in 2014 after refusing to give evidence in a salary cap investigation.
No salary cap breaches were uncovered but the NRL was left frustrated and angered over a lack of transparency from Gee and other Broncos officials.
Gee, a Broncos Hall of Famer, was also accused of allegedly using $298,000 of Broncos Leagues Club funds, which were subsequently repaid.
MORE:
The NRL issued the Broncos a ‘please explain’ after Gee’s appearance made headlines but CEO Todd Greenberg declared the matter closed on Thursday.
Bennett will no doubt be delighted by the lack of action from the NRL after blasting the media for daring to question Gee’s appearance after the Broncos’ season ended with a disastrous defeat to the Dragons.
Asked why Gee was in the box at the time, a furious Bennett replied: “Because I invited him. It’s still a free country isn’t it? Am I right or wrong? I invited him to come to the game.
He’s a friend of mine. He can come sit in the box any time he wants.”
Pressed on whether he had cleared Gee’s appearance with the NRL, Bennett responded: “I don’t tell the NRL who I’m bringing to the game. He’s not a criminal. What’s wrong with you guys?”
