Wayne Bennett has defended Anthony Milford's work ethic, slamming a claim that the Brisbane five-eighth had alarmed veteran teammate Benji Marshall by taking short cuts at training.
Coach Bennett said he confronted Marshall on Thursday morning after a Fox Sports claim that the veteran playmaker was concerned about Milford's lack of professionalism.
"He never made the comment. The journalist made it up," Bennett said ahead of Friday night's NRL clash with Canberra.
"It's offensive. We don't have a problem with Anthony Milford in any shape, form or manner." Listen to the full audio below.
Fox Sports NRL 360 program claimed Milford "enjoyed his off-season" and would take short cuts in the gym "if no one was looking".
The program said Marshall had complained about Milford's attitude at training.
Milford is reportedly mulling over a three-year, $2.7 million deal offer from the Broncos.
"I needed to talk to that player to make sure that comment hadn't been made," Bennett said of Marshall.
"When you are at a workplace, in-house stuff should stay there - we are no different.
"But the player assured me - and I believe the player - that he never spoke to the journalist and never gave him that information.
"But Anthony doesn't have a poor work ethic - he's not taking any short cuts."
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