Robinson slams RFL

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has accusded the RFL of disrespecting Steve McNamara in the way the former England coach was replaced.

McNamara, who is Robinson’s assistant at the Roosters, was replaced by Wayne Bennett three months after the series win over New Zealand.

“It’s probably the lack of respect for what Steve has done over the last five years in the way that the team and the players have developed and the understanding of what England means to players,” Robinson told PA Sport.

“That has been under-stated in the last couple of weeks, I think that’s really important to understand.

“They’ve got one of the best coaches in the history of our game and for me it hits hurts to see the lack of respect for what Steve has done. But then I’ve got the utmost respect for Wayne Bennett.

“I just think the way they handled it was poor. But we know as coaches, they’re going to make those decisions.

“Steve is obviously disappointed, to coach your country is an amazing privilege and to have that taken away can be tough.”