State of Origin: Wayne Bennett shuts down Cameron Smith allegations ahead of series decider

Wayne Bennett is facing one of the toughest challenges of his legendary coaching career when his team of Maroons rookies host the heavily-favoured Blues in Wednesday’s State of Origin series decider.

But the veteran coach was dragged into a civil war with one of Queensland’s favourite sons on the eve of Game 3.

In his recently released book, ex-Maroons captain Cameron Smith declared Bennett – not Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy – is responsible for introducing the wrestle to rugby league.

Smith writes that Bennett, who has been a fierce critic of the wrestle over the years, brought grappling coach Chis Haseman into the Maroons’ Origin camp in 2003.

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Bellamy was an assistant coach under Bennett at the Broncos before taking over at the Storm in 2003.

There has been speculation over the years that the legendary coaches fell out due to their philosophical disagreement over the wrestling tactics that have been a mainstay of the modern game.

Bellamy has been widely blamed for introducing the wrestle to the NRL but Smith tells a different tale in his controversial new book.

“I’m just not sure where to go with that to be honest with you,” Bennett said when asked about Smith’s comments.

“It’s the third State of Origin, it’s one-all, it’s a massive game and we’re talking about Cameron Smith’s book.”

Pressed on the veteran hooker’s claims, Bennett quipped: “Well if I pioneered it (wrestling tactics) we didn’t do it very good, did we?”

“I won’t claim it … as I said I’m not here to talk about that.”

“… Cam is saying a lot at the moment, so good on him.”

Smith has come under fire for abruptly cancelling media interviews scheduled following the release of his book on Monday.

Questions have also been raised about several of the 430-game veteran’s claims.