From his first season as a head coach Wayne Bennett’s name has gone hand in hand with success. The great man deals in premierships and September football. He thrives on it.
His ability to find the best in players when it matters most is legendary.
At 71, the master coach has seen it all.
Few will ever reach the lofty heights Bennett has. History tells us this. But is it modern or ancient?
Is it still the same Wayne Bennett or now more of a brand name you buy on its prestige?
After all, Bennett is currently in the longest premiership drought of his illustrious career – 11 years and counting. Yes, it has been that long since the lanky, awkward figure of Bennett weaved his way through the adoring St George Illawarra fans at a drenched Stadium Australia as the seconds ticked away on grand final day 2010.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
“This premiership is really about the true believers,” Bennett said after the 32-8 win over the Sydney Roosters. “They believed this year. They weren’t sure last year, but they believed this year and that’s the difference.
“They believed they could win and they believed they could beat anybody they played. Being down at halftime wasn’t an issue. Last year it was. We (coaching staff) got it right off the field and they got it right on the field.”
Eleven long winters.
People couldn’t believe it took six years between titles at the Brisbane Broncos in the early 2000s.
His South Sydney Rabbitohs are on the cusp of the grand final in 2021. That same type of belief is in this Rabbitohs squad – especially so after the way they went up a notch when they lost Latrell Mitchell for the season.
But the knife edge is unforgiving.
A bad night against Manly or a good one for Tom Trbojevic and Bennett is done at Redfern.
Incredibly, it would be the fourth consecutive season Souths have been bundled out at the preliminary final stage. It would also mean Bennett’s third straight too. For the club, it would be heartbreak.
This is the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The club with the Hollywood owner, a star roster, 21 premierships and one of the greatest coaches the game has ever produced. Another failure and it’s five preliminary final losses since 2012.
Of course there was that unforgettable night under Michael Maguire in 2014 where they crushed a 43-year hoodoo. Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis and a little local junior at halfback in Adam Reynolds.
If the Sea Eagles eliminate the Rabbitohs, the next time we see Reynolds in the NRL will be in a Broncos jersey.
Talk about pressure.
While other clubs would kill just to smell the fumes of the third week of the finals, the expectation on this great organisation is that close enough isn’t good enough.
In South Sydney’s favour is Bennett’s finals record against Manly coach Des Hasler, with Bennett holding a 3-0 lead at an aggregate of 84-32.
These coaches have been here before. They have a chance to go through to the final game of the year. But you sense the Rabbitohs have just a little more to lose at Suncorp Stadium against the Sea Eagles.
Whether that works in their favour or not is anyone’s guess.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
ALL the PRESSURE is on IVAN :shocked:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Andrew - picked it Souths by 20+. :thumbup:
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
We know now that he handled the pressure fantastically
DavMan
Roar Rookie
Good luck to both teams. Both proud clubs and hope whoever wins tonight wins the GF.
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
My side is well gone for the year. But I'll barrack for Manly - on a completely irrational basis. I had mates in Manly in the 1970s, and I used to stay at the Bombora Motel when on business in Sydney at 46 Malvern Avenue in Manly. Also, while acknowledging Bennett's coaching record, I'm not sure that he's the sort of bloke I'd have a beer with. Yes I know. He doesn't drink. But you get my drift.
dogs
Guest
Des also took us to 2 grand finals, so while his time at the Bulldogs ended poorly, you would still have to call it a successful coaching stint.
SPM
Roar Rookie
Taking pressure off the team is Wayne’s specialty just ask Ivan Cleary
Albo
Roar Rookie
But I'm not sure the Bunnies have the same capability to stop Turbo ? Murray, Su'a & Koloamatangi hold the key to Souths chances, I believe. Their defence on the edge of the rucks.
matth
Roar Guru
It definitely used to be a tactic against Slater. High ball to him on the 1st and try to nullify him for the rest of the set.
matth
Roar Guru
Exactly. Bennett has reached at least a prelim with five different clubs (Canberra, Brisbane, St George, Newcastle and Souths) as well as winning seven NRL/NSWRL titles. On top of that he won premierships in the BRL when it was top tier and produced one of the greatest grand final wins of all time, when Souths Brisbane managed to beat the previously invincible Wynnum Manly side, led by Wally Lewis in his prime. That makes him an NRL legend. He is undoubtedly an Origin legend for 2001 and 2020.
matth
Roar Guru
I wonder whether it is this loss that has stoked the Bellamy side of the rivalry. It was a shock and he definitely didn't take it well.
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
Here's something for you, DPS and Tony to enjoy, andrew. The last time the Dragons made the finals and looked good in a semi-final. Enjoy! :stoked: :thumbup: That last five minutes though | Rabbitohs v Dragons Match Mini | Semi Final, 2018 | NRL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr3dsqS-BEE
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Cheers WB. Should be a quality tussle. I’m obviously hoping for the upset, but know we are up against it. Souths are quality.
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
I could be... I should be... but I will be watching from home. And feeling ill until victory is assured. Then the cycle will start all over again for another week, should the boys repeat their qualifying final success. Go the Bunnies! :thumbup:
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
Nice attempt at misdirection there, Ivan. But just like Bennett exposed your subterfuge in the press conference following the Panthers' qualifying final loss to Souths, your attempts at misdirection only backfire. Better stay away from the forums and get back to coaching, mate. Just a tip for future press conferences, though. Bring a loaded gun to a gun fight, not a pea shooter, and then try not to shoot yourself in the foot! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
andrew
Roar Rookie
I'll be at Suncorp tonight, having a few quiet ones as we speak, being a neutral I'm hoping for a great game :thumbup:
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
You should know by now, andrew, every word of mine is The Final Word... until it becomes the penultimate word. :silly:
sheek
Roar Guru
Steveng, I don't know Hasler's record & don't really care at the moment. I like Bennett, I like Hasler & I like Bellamy. So I'm not interested in the minor details. Anyway, it's mainly about the players & teams, more than the coaches.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Well said TB. :thumbup:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
TFW, that's true, it's who turns up on the night. I agree on the defence aspect but somehow I think it will be a high scoring game. No doubt, we can argue either way, but based on form (last 14 consecutive games) including the current finals, Souths are looking the better side. Manly have know to have an off-game occasionally (let's hope its tonight), Souths on the other hand haven't had one off game since May.