Petero: Bennett ‘risking legacy’
BRISBANE front-row legend Petero Civoniceva has urged Wayne Bennett to retire next year, fearing the super coach risks “damaging his legacy” if he wins a boardroom battle to stay at the Broncos in 2020.
On the eve of Brisbane’s clash against the Bulldogs tonight, Civoniceva says it’s time for Bennett to pass the coaching baton and believes Darren Lockyer and Kevin Walters could be ideal successors to fill the Broncos throne.
Bennett, off-contract at the end of next year, is determined to coach the Broncos in 2020, but his hopes of one final 12month term will hinge on Brisbane’s results over the next eight weeks.
There is an uneasy tension at Red Hill, with the Broncos board last week gagging Bennett after the veteran mentor publicly challenged chairman Karl Morris on his future.
Bennett is clearly prepared to go down swinging, but Civoniceva – one of the his greatest supporters despite the prop’s shock exit in 2007 – says the 68-year-old must seriously consider retirement.
“I think next year could be the right time for transition,” Civoniceva said. “I remember a conversation with Wayne that always resonates with me.
“I remember Wayne sitting a group of us senior Broncos players down one day. He talked about getting the call right on when to hang the boots up and saying it’s always wiser to leave one year too early, than one year too late.”
Civoniceva was one of Bennett’s most cherished forwards but the Broncos dropped a bombshell on the Fijian in 2007, withdrawing a contract offer after months of fruitless negotiations.
Civoniceva ultimately signed a more lucrative deal at Penrith and Bennett admits the Maroons warhorse’s departure is one of his great regrets in coaching.
Despite the drama, Civoniceva still regards Bennett as his most influential coach, but says the NRL’s greatest mentor has nothing left to prove.
“His legacy will always endure,” he said. “I think it’s important that Wayne doesn’t damage his legacy and gets out at the right time.”
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