Bennett stands firm on Houghton call

England coach Wayne Bennett says he has picked what he thinks are the best players for the national team, regardless of awards.

2016 Man of Steel winner Danny Houghton was overlooked, with Josh Hodgson and Daryl Clark preferred.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to pick someone because they won an award,” Bennett told the media.

“My job is to pick what I think are the best players. I have my own job at the Brisbane Broncos but I see a fair bit of Super League so I know what is going on.

“You are always going to have selection dilemmas but my number one priority was to get what I felt have been the best players since this season started.

“I’ve also tried to pick people playing regular games, and whose form has been consistent and not taking people on reputation.”