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The prodigal son has returned. Wayne Bennett, the coach who led the Brisbane Broncos to six premierships in his two decades in charge at the club, has signed a three year deal with the club, according to repots today.
Bennett will replace current coach Anthony Griffin, who was told earlier today that his services would not be required for the 2015 season, despite having the support of the players and a year left to run on his contract.
Chief executive Paul White said the decision made at the weekend was based on the club’s results over the past couple of years.
“As tough as this decision’s been, I accept that decision – as does Anthony,” White told reporters.
“And I want to make it clear that my support for `Hook’, the club, and all the people within is absolute, our new incoming coach of 2015 will have that same level of support.”
It’s understood players were told of the news at a crisis meeting at the club’s Red Hill headquarters late Monday morning.
Brisbane currently sit sixth on the NRL ladder following their stirring 28-22 win over the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Griffin said he was disappointed but remained adamant he wouldn’t lay the blame on anyone about the situation.
“It’s a big bad world out there; it’s business,” he said.
“Life’s full of challenges and this is one of them.
“I’ve done everything in my power to get the club to this point. It’s in a position where it’s going to succeed.
“For me personally, I’m looking forward to the next 10 weeks.”
While Griffin admitted he could simply walk out of the club now, he had no intention of doing so.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here, I enjoy my role and we’ve got the team into a very good position this year,” he added.
“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity over the next 10 to 12 weeks.”
Griffin was good humoured throughout the press conference, refusing to consider himself a victim. He asked the media at the end to respect the fact that he’s still in charge for the next ten weeks, and the Broncos have a game to win on Friday.
The chances of that happening with Wayne Bennett around seem slim.
Bennett returns to the Broncos after six years away. He spent three years at St George Illawarra where he won one premiership, and three years at his current club the Newcastle Knights. Bennett announced last week that he wouldn’t be seeing out his contract at the Knights.
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald from Roy Masters sparked the frenzy, and by 11am the Broncos had held a meeting with the players to inform them that Bennett would be taking over from Griffin for the 2015 season on a three-year tenure.
Masters also hinted that Bennett’s arrival would be the start of a succession plan, with Kevin Walters to take over from Bennett as head coach at the club after three years, with the veteran mentor to step back into a management role.
The news quickly spread through all news outlets that Bennett had agreed to a three-year deal worth a reported $4 million.
Griffin has so far notched 31 wins, 34 losses and a draw in his 66 games in charge at Brisbane, where he oversaw a period of transition after the retirements of Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva.
The other piece in the puzzle was Broncos CEO Paul White, who is set to remain in his current role. In his article this morning, Masters says White was a strong supporter of Griffin’s, and hinted his role would come under scrutiny if Bennett were to return to the coaching job.
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