Inside Wayne Bennett’s explosive first encounter with South Sydney flops: The football coach’s secret chat with Latrell Mitchell after delivering a stunning spray to the Bunnies stars: ‘He didn’t pull any punches’

Wayne Bennett delivered some real truths to South Sydney’s underperforming stars as the legendary coach quickly adapted to the new team in their first encounter.

According News CorporationBennett praised the players’ attitude, fitness and work ethic in a flurry of words after visiting the club’s base in Maroubra last Wednesday, insisting the rest of the league have no fear when facing them.

Bennett’s tirade has been backed up by officials within the club, who are convinced the team needs tough love if they are to compete for finals again next season.

It was a terrible campaign for the Bunnies, who finished 16th with just seven wins, while the superstar fullback made headlines due to his white powder scandal at the end of the season.

The same outlet reports that Mitchell and Bennett held a one-on-one meeting in Sydney, although the details of the conversation have been kept private.

News Corp quotes a source as saying: “Wayne didn’t mince his words… That’s how Wayne operates.”

Another said: “Wayne certainly spoke to the players. He was very direct. Has Wayne ever been less than direct?”

Bennett has not officially started his new job as he remains under contract with the Dolphins through Oct. 31.

He coached the Rabbitohs in 2021 and led the club to the 2021 Grand Final, where they lost to the Penrith Panthers.

Player agents also told News Corp that their clients were left in no doubt about Bennett’s thoughts regarding his 2024 campaign.

His outburst was the talk of the players’ group over the weekend, when only the team was present in the room when the meeting took place.

Bennett will make a permanent move to Sydney in the coming weeks, having previously been based in Brisbane during his time with the Dolphins.