The telltale signs a coach should retire are clear, Wayne Bennett says.
And at 68, the Brisbane mentor reckons he’s not showing any of them.
But a belated move to Sydney may be on the cards for Bennett if he wants to extend his glittering NRL career when his Broncos contract expires in 2019.
Twelve years after his infamous Roosters backflip, Bennett is again being linked to a NSW move after revealing two clubs had already approached him in the wake of news Brisbane are pursuing Craig Bellamy.
Bennett has already been linked to Canterbury – under rookie coach Dean Pay this year – and Brad Arthur’s maligned Parramatta following confirmation the Broncos had talked to Bellamy about a 2020 move.
Questions have been raised over NRL clubs signing Bennett, who would be working into his 70s if offered a new deal.
But Bennett said no alarm bells were ringing for him ahead of his unprecedented 800th NRL game – Thursday night’s clash with the Eels.
“If you don’t want to get up at 5.30am, don’t want to get home at nine at night every day, don’t want to enjoy these blokes and be around them and just sit in your office and let everyone do your job – that’s when you know you are finished,” Bennett said.
“I don’t tick any of those boxes right now.
“I am not going to say it won’t happen to me but right now I am not.
“I am not in a position that I know everything because I don’t but at this point in my life I feel I still have a lot to offer.”
And perhaps it will bring Bennett back to Sydney after being convinced by Roosters kingpin Nick Politis to sign with the Tri-colours for 2007, only to renege when the handshake deal broke in the press.
Bennett’s son in law – Fox Sports league expert Ben Ikin – even speculated the Brisbane coach could follow Penrith general manager and ex-mentor Phil Gould’s lead and take up a director of coaching role at a club.
Brisbane CEO Paul White fronted the media on Wednesday to guarantee Bennett would be coach next year but gave no other assurances despite the seven-time premiership coach’s clear desire to stay.
Bellamy has reportedly been offered a four season, $5 million-plus Broncos deal from 2020 but is also mulling over a lucrative Storm offer.
Tom G
Guest
The Eels could use a decent coach. He could Jack Gibson them into being a force again.. it could give SuperCoach Arthur a job he could adequately do with his "skills"..... cheerleader
DP. Schaefer
Guest
Paul, Interesting you pick these, seems we are in agreement. Those three (less Melbourne) are who I've mentioned above. I can't see a Melbourne move though, might seem a 'insult' to Wayne to take the team his replacement knocked back. Plus Melbourne will need a rebuild and I don't think he'll touch that. Whoever follows Bellamy at Storm will not get the same results and will look the poorer coach against his record. The UK offer might be enticing and a face saving early exit. Wayne is holding his cards though and waiting until Bellamy make his call.
terrence
Guest
PC & Fish, Easy to blame the media and keyboard nuffies like yourselves, but Wayne Bennett has burnt a few bridges over the years as you'd expect over such a long time. Many burnt by him are are now expressing their opinions (Lazzo especially) and he has screwed a few thousand people over in the past three decades (see Kevvie Walters, players moved on earlier than expected, Anthony Griffin, assistant coaches to save his bony ar$e, his wife and kids, Newcastle, Gordon Tallis, journos, the English language, Bronco's fans re recruitment (i.e. Hunt for Bird?, letting Smith/Cronk/Slater/DCE slip through his bony fingers, the LNP, ALP, etc.). Wayne being a part-time primary producer understands that you reap what you sow. So should you two Fish and PC.
Paul
Roar Guru
If Bennett moves to another NRL Club, it has to one that's going to be quickly competitive for a Premiership. He'll clearly have a point to prove and will want to win the big one quickly, just to stick it to his detractors. I could see him back at the Dragons for example, if they fall in a hole like they did last year. What he won't want to do is drag a side back to make them competitive as that will take too long. Melbourne maybe or the Raiders or Warriors.
Paul C
Guest
Souvalis, Do you think there is an ounce of logic in Gould? Do you think for one moment that Gould could have sat back & allowed Bennett to coach. As I said before, you don't have to believe me.
souvalis
Guest
It doesn’t make sense...sack Stuart for the best coach(at the time) in the NRL ,blab it to the press risking that bond for ......Chris Anderson ? Tell me the logic in Gus doing that from his position at the Roosters at that time....
Paul C
Guest
Fish, nice to read a comment not denigrating Bennett. I purchased country edition of the Courier Mail in Toowoomba today & there are at least 9 pages (yes 9 pages & the Cartoon)) on Bennett with the usual CM /Telegraph Journos spitting out their "Bile".
Paul C
Guest
DP, well known in Brisbane that story. You don't have to believe me.
Birdy
Guest
The perfect coach for Brisbane 2. When did the NRL say it was going to get expansion moving.?
Fish
Guest
Funny how some kick a man when he’s down. The Bennett detractors are coming out on mass bouyed by opportunity to lay the boot in. Gould, that overweight, perpetually blabbering bullfrog, is running off at the mouth as per usual, stating no club wants him. Bit early for revenge you spiteful toad. One thing I know about champions, they are never done until they are ready. Bennett’s record speaks for itself, the others are yet to acheive it. I have never been a Wayne Bennett fan, but I have never been a detractor neither. If he does decide to sign with another club, you can be sure it will be on his terms. Personally I think it would be fitting to see him finish in the lime green. Let’s face it Ricky has had long enough to produce at the very least consistent success, with the talent he has had.
terrence
Guest
The Storm could be looking for a coach? 3 year deal in Melbourne and then Cam Smith could take over!
DP Schaefer
Guest
Paul, did Gus expose that? That one I haven't heard before, where did it come from?
DP Schaefer
Guest
Very, very few clubs would meet the Bennett opportunity/$$ criteria. I doubt Bennett would go anywhere with struggles or issues (from the Newcastle experience) so forget Dogs and probably also Eels. Going through the list of those that might need him, want him, have the player meat and $$ to entice him; Warriors - coach having a good year (but lacks successful history) and contract also ends 2019. Wayne has good history with his NZ team success. Dragons - same as above. Canberra- Ricky locked for 2020 but.... So there's only 3 options .. time will tell
Dan
Guest
Might go to Canberra where it all began. The Raiders have a great undermining side. The long skinny one could be the trick they need.
Paul C
Guest
Souvalis, From memory Bennett pulled out of the Sydney City deal after Gus Gould went public with the closely kept secretive agreement. Of course Gould would have wanted Bennett at Sydney City where Gould still had influence??
souvalis
Guest
No way would Bennett walk into salary cap troubled/ zero potential for instant success clubs such as the Dogs and Parra..already stabbed the Roosters in the back once doubt theyd trust him over there...