D-day is looming for Wayne Bennett and Brisbane great Willie Carne believes the writing is on the wall for the master coach after the Broncos’ shock NRL finals exit.
Two-time premiership winner Carne believed an embarrassing NRL elimination final loss and 68-year-old Bennett’s age would work against the coach when the Broncos board finally unveiled their succession plan.
Instead of another title, Bennett is contemplating his future after title contenders the Broncos were humbled 48-18 by an injury-hit St George Illawarra in Sunday’s NRL elimination final.
A Broncos board meeting later this month will decide once and for all whether Bennett is granted his wish to coach on in 2020.
The seven-time premiership winner has a contract for 2019 but there is speculation Bennett may walk away next year, depending on the board’s verdict.
Former Test winger Carne said Bennett would not be able to sell his 2020 plan to the board after being towelled up by the Dragons.
The loss also extended Brisbane’s premiership drought to 12 years – the longest in club history.
“It’s a pretty cut throat job with all the directors wanting answers – the writing may be on the wall,” Carne told AAP.
Carne admitted it was a bad look for Bennett after Brisbane were thrashed by a Dragons side that had won just three of their last nine gamesand lost stars James Graham, Gareth Widdop and Jack de Belin during the match.
“I thought Brisbane would give St George a footy lesson. I am scratching my head,” Carne said.
Bennett has made no secret of his desire to coach into his 70s and hasn’t ruled out moving to a rival club to extend his remarkable 32-season career including 27 finals campaigns.
But Carne felt Bennett’s age may be held against him by the board.
“His record speaks for itself but at 69 next year is it time for him?” Carne said.
“I am not sure whether at that age he would want to be chasing 18 year olds around at training, it would be hard work.
“Wayne could retire. He can’t be at the Broncos forever.”
South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold has been linked to Brisbane after the club missed out on Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy and North Queensland mentor Paul Green.
Carne reckoned Queensland coach and ex-Broncos captain Kevin Walters was a standout contender.
“But this is the Broncos, there are a thousand people who would take the job tomorrow,” he said.
Bennett would not comment on his next move but dug his heels in after the Dragons’ boilover, saying few clubs would have made the finals with their horror injury toll.
Staring prop Joe Ofahengaue (concussion) on Sunday joined Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Jaydn Su’A, Jack Bird and Payne Haas on the sidelines.
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