Wayne Bennett says he wants to speak to his friend Alex McKinnon after reports the former NRL rising star is considering seeking compensation over a tackle that left him with a spinal injury.
Bennett was not aware of McKinnon's plans when told on Thursday that his former Newcastle charge had reportedly hired a legal team and was considering suing the NRL and club Melbourne for the tackle which prematurely ended his career.
Bennett was McKinnon's Knights coach when the young forward suffered a broken neck in March last year after being on the receiving end of a dangerous throw from Melbourne prop Jordan McLean.
"That's the first I have heard of it (but) that's Alex's call, it is up to him," Bennett said on Thursday.
"I would have to talk to him and find out exactly what is going on, he hasn't mentioned anything to me.
"But it's his prerogative."
Fairfax Media reports while McKinnon is weighing up advice he is reluctant to follow through on any legal action.
Asked if players should be allowed to sue for on-field incidents, Bennett said: "I'm not smart enough about criminal law and personal law to make a real comment on that.
"Alex is entitled to his rights, the NRL is entitled to their rights.
"If someone has to decide who is liable for what, that's fair enough.
"Until I talk to him, I don't really want to make much comment about it."
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