The fate of Wayne Bennett won’t be known until the end of the NRL season after Brisbane delayed a decision on their future coach until their October board meeting.
Bennett said after Brisbane’s 12-10 NRL win over Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium that he had agreed with chairman Karl Morris’ suggestion that no decision be made until after the 2018 season.
Bennett – off contract next year – had been called a “dead man walking” in a News Corp report this week that claimed the Brisbane board had knocked back his request for a one year extension to stay on in 2020.
After enduring speculation all year, Bennett sounded relieved that it had been official that no coaching call would be made until the dust had settled on this season.
“I have been talking to the chairman and we have decided we are not going to make any decisions about coaching at the Broncos until the end of the football season, and I agree with that position,” Bennett said.
“So from our point of view that is where it sits.
“So if you want to ask any questions you are just going to get ‘no comment’ because we have no comment until the board meets in October and it’s addressed then.”
South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold has been linked to Brisbane while Bennett has tried to push his assistant Jason Demetriou as his successor if the board ends his long history at the club.
Seven time premiership winning coach Bennett is in his 25th season at the Broncos helm.
Haz
Guest
Yep, probably a good case to get Demetrio into the top job if Bennett is let go.
thomas c
Guest
People are there because he is. It makes sense to put in a succession plan that allows players to develop a connection with the eventual successor. It creates a sense of continuity. It would be grim to show him the door, have him appointed to some role at another club and then lose to him (and any players motivated to follow him). I think he insists he still has the desire to keep working. If he likes being on a paddock and around players, that might open up some options in terms of semi-retirement.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
He should finish his legacy by rebuilding a basket case club like the Titans or Parra.