Wayne Bennett has poured water on criticism from his former Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis for not attending Redcliffe’s NRL trial against North Queensland over the weekend.

Bennett returned to Brisbane early and was not at the ground for the full-time draw.

“We had some issues with flights[from Cairns] and I wanted to make sure I was here at Redcliffe to be coaching the rest of the NRL players who didn’t play against the Cowboys,” Bennett told The Courier Mail.

“There’s no issue at my end.”

Bennett was responding to Tallis who has taken plenty of shots at the great coach since he retired from the game.

“I don’t care who you are. Let’s break it down to school when your teacher is not there and you get a relief teacher, do you work as hard?” Tallis said on the Footy Talk League podcast.

Meanwhile Wests Tigers have appointed Api Koroisau as their new skipper for season 2023.

“To be asked to lead this team in my first year at the club, means a lot,” said Koroisau.

“From the moment I joined this club, my family and I have been made to feel so welcome.

“It’s been a great start to my time as a Wests Tigers player and I look forward to helping this team and this club be the best it can be.”