Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has defended prop Adam Blair, dismissing claims from Broncos legend Gorden Tallis that the Kiwi international is a dirty player.
Blair will be suspended for a second straight NRL match after being charged for a chicken wing tackle on teammate Sam Thaiday during last weekend's Anzac Test.
It means the front-rower won't face Manly on Saturday.
Bennett says while Tallis is entitled to his opinion, he doesn't agree with it.
"We play a game that's based on aggression," Bennett said.
"I don't have a problem with the way Adam plays the game. I like the way he plays the game.
"He's an extremely valued player here ... I've coached a lot of guys and I've coached a few mugs along the journey - Adam Blair's no mug.
"He's got no problems with this coach."
Tallis last week labelled Blair one of the dirtiest players in the game.
"I don't know how Wayne Bennett keeps on letting it go because he used to chastise all his players for doing that," Tallis said.
"I get disappointed he wears the Broncos jersey and plays like that."
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