Disgraced: Matthew Lodge attends court in New York last December. Credit:Ellen Connolly

However, it hasn't stopped Lodge from being granted an audience with the greatest coach of all time to discuss the prospect of an unlikely NRL return. "That's true, that happened, but there's nothing we can do until the NRL gives him permission to play back in the competition," Bennett told Fairfax Media.

"If he gets the green light from the NRL, that's what he will be doing. Like all players that come into the competition, you're interested. We had a general conversation about where he's at and what he's up to. No promises were made, no commitments were made by either party. We can't do anything until the NRL makes its decision and we'll look at it after that."

Rugby league has a long history of welcoming bad boys back to the game after they've addressed their off-field issues. Bennett campaigned for Russell Packer to be given another chance and the former Warriors forward made an NRL return with St George Illawarra after doing time for a vicious assault. Two other former inmates, Danny Wicks and Manu Ma'u, have prospered personally and professionally after being given a second chance at Parramatta.

Bennett, who has handed NRL lifelines to the likes of Wendell Sailor and Neville Costigan after their off-field dramas, believes there are instances where rugby league can help transform the lives of troubled players.