BRISBANE STARS WOULD LOVE TO SEE BENNETT RETURNING TO AID WALTERS

LEADING Brisbane players have backed calls for Wayne Bennett to return to Red Hill as part of a reunification plan with Kevin Walters to rebuild the Broncos as a premiership powerhouse.

In a development that should open the eyes of Broncos hierarchy, player power has spoken, with a host of topliners revealing they would relish Bennett returning for a third coming at Red Hill.

Stars Corey Oates, Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr, Tom Flegler and Payne Haas all declared their unqualified support for Walters — but believe Bennett’s experience could help Brisbane break the longest premiership drought in the club’s history.

New Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has left the door ajar for Bennett’s return — possibly as coaching director or culture boss — and now Donaghy has the backing of Brisbane stars, who lauded the power, influence and aura of the NRL’s greatest coach.

Critically, the Broncos contingent say they carry no psychological scars from Bennett’s shock sacking, following his bitter fallout with Brisbane’s board and former CEO Paul White in 2018.

“If Wayne was to come back, it’d be awesome. Everyone would think the same thing,” Oates said.

“Wayne’s name speaks for itself.

“I know it was tough when he left (in 2018), but that’s not on us, it was with everyone upstairs (Broncos management).

“Personally, as a player, I get along well with him. I really enjoyed having him here and everything I learned from him.

“It’s just his experience, knowledge and history he has with the club.

“That’s what the Broncos have been missing. With ‘Kevvie’ the passion has come back.

“They’d be a great combination together.”

It has been 15 years since the Broncos won a premiership and the glamour club is about to come under siege in southeast Queensland, with the NRL to call for expressions of interest on Monday for a second Brisbane licence.