Mal Meninga responds to anti-tampering allegations, willing to accept punishment if found in breach regarding comments on contracted players.
Mal Meninga has hit back at Phil Gould's Bulldogs amid allegations of anti-tampering as the NRL integrity unit launches an investigation into the Perth Bears coach.
Breaking his silence on explosive anti-tampering allegations, Meninga says he will happily accept any punishment if an NRL probe finds he has breached rules relating to comments about contracted players.
But the Bears coach has responded to criticism over his commitment to the NRL's 18th franchise in Perth, including queries as to why he is coaching Perth while living in Canberra.
The NRL fielded a complaint last week after Meninga made comments about his interest in signing Bulldogs duo Jacob Preston and Matt Burton and Penrith champion Nathan Cleary.
Under the 'Phil Gould' rule, implemented this season, coaches and officials are banned from commenting on the prospect of signing rival players if they are still contracted to their existing clubs.