Super League chief Robert Elstone hits out at GB coach Wayne Bennett

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone has hit out at comments made by Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett about players moving to the NRL.

Bennett gave credit to former Wigan prop Ryan Sutton during a press conference on Tuesday, saying that he had improved his chances of international because he was playing in the NRL.

That resulted in a statement issued by Super League, which says its clubs have “expressed their concern” as Bennett’s comments.

Elstone said: “Securing and retaining the world’s best players is a priority for Super League.

“Quite rightly – and even more so now as we are nearing discussions around a new broadcast deal – it is seen by our clubs as fundamental to the future success of the competition.

“While several of our leading players have excelled in the NRL and, in all likelihood, more will want to test themselves in that environment, it does feel wrong that the coach of our national team is linking a move to the NRL so closely to the award of international honours.

‘’None of us should lose sight of the fact that it is the Super League competition that has developed these players, and that all aspects of the game on this side of the world will benefit by them staying.”