South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind players who prefer to steer clear of the media spotlight, pushing back against whispers that the NRL is preparing to get tougher on no-shows.
The chatter follows last month's blockbuster $5.3 billion broadcasting rights announcement, with word circulating that the league may start slapping clubs with fines when players skip media duties.
Reports also indicate the NRL is set to sit down with the RLPA to hammer out clearer expectations around these commitments.
Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell has famously kept his distance from official duties, only making an appearance once this season to break his media ban, where he volunteered to be available for the media to celebrate Campbell Graham's 150th NRL game.
This is a stance that has sparked plenty of frustration among figures inside the sport.
He's not alone either, with teammate David Fifita and Broncos star Reece Walsh similarly opting to keep a low profile with reporters.
Fronting the media on Friday, Bennett didn't hold back when quizzed on the rumoured crackdown, making it clear he'll keep shielding his players from mandatory interviews whenever he feels it's warranted.
"I'm a bit of a fan of some of them not being available sometimes," Bennett said on Friday.
The veteran coach didn't mince words about the toll media scrutiny can take on players.
"You [media] beat them up big time, and it has an impact on them, there's no doubt about that. They're better off saying less and just playing football.
"The NRL can do it [punish clubs] but I'll stand behind my player every time I think he shouldn't be in the media and the limelight because of a situation that may have happened or because some journo decided he's the flavour of the month.
"I've seen players driven out of the game in this country because of media exposure, so I'm no fan of just having open slather for players."
Currently, Latrell Mitchell is on the sidelines recovering from calf and back issues, with his return date still very much in the air.
When asked directly whether the 29-year-old's season could already be done, Bennett kept things characteristically guarded.
"Good chance that may be the case, it may not either," he said.
"Why don't you give him a ring and find out? He doesn't know and I don't know."
The South Sydney Rabbitohs play the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night as they need a win to remain in the top eight before they play the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 24.
