Bennett to carry on at the Broncos

WAYNE Bennett insists his position of coaching Brisbane Broncos next season is unchanged and claims there is no conflict of interest in his having signed as South Sydney mentor for the 2020 season.

The 68-year-old, who has won six titles at Brisbane, has vowed to see out his contract at Red Hill before swapping roles with current South Sydney chief Anthony Seibold.

There have been concerns over how both clubs could maintain normality before the blockbuster coaching exchange takes effect, with talk rife of an early triggering of the swap.

Seibold has called for clarity on whether he will still be coaching the Rabbitohs in preseason but Bennett insists he will carry on as usual with the Broncos until told otherwise.

Fresh from steering England to a 2-1 Test series win over New Zealand in the UK, Bennett told Fairfax Media: “I’ve been committed to staying at the Broncos since day one and nothing has changed.

“I have had no conversation with Brisbane since the presentation night.

“I spoke to the chairman and the CEO that night at the function and I haven’t seen or talked to anybody since that day. Nothing has changed from my point of view.”

On carrying on as Brisbane boss while waiting for his move to a rival club, he added: “It can certainly work for me.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm’s inaugural premiership halfback Brett Kimmorley says the club’s stand-off with Cameron Smith is an ugly look and the NRL club should pay their captain what he’s asking.

Almost six weeks after Melbourne’s grand final loss, club great Smith remains unsigned.

Smith’s manager Isaac Moses is reportedly attempting to bolster the former Kangaroos captain’s one-year deal with third party arrangements, which Melbourne is resisting.