Turf club hosts star NRL pair
NRL super coaches Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy headlined a special event at the Toowoomba Turf Club yesterday.
The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos mentors were the guest speakers at the club’s NRL Sportsman’s Lunch.
Both Bellamy and Bennett were very clear about their futures - speaking openly during an informal Q&A session.
It was also evident the pair are great friends judging by their demeanour and the way they interacted at the lunch.
THE Toowoomba Turf Club has set the bar for its marquee events high.
Yesterday the Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium played host to two of the biggest names in rugby league.
NRL super coaches Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett headlined the club’s NRL Sportman’s Lunch and it was evident their friendship remains strong.
The pair joked and smiled during their informal Q&A session – openly speaking about their relationship and their mutual respect for each other.
It is obvious the pair is cut from the same cloth, speaking about their love for their players.
“It’s in my DNA to help people,” Bennett said.
“Parents entrust us with their sons and we have a great responsibility to care for them.
“You can’t always make them great footballers but it is always my goal to make them great men.”
Bellamy shares Bennett’s beliefs.
“I had a great experience learning from Wayne (Bennett) and Tim Sheens,” Bellamy said.
“One of the things I admire about Wayne is his dedications to caring for his players.
‘‘ I WILL BE THE BRISBANE BRONCOS COACH IN 2019. WAYNE BENNETT
“That is important and something I try to emulate.”
Bellamy and Bennett were also very open about their futures.
Both spoke about their desire to “do the right thing” by their respective clubs with Bennett saying he will be at the Brisbane Broncos in 2019.
“I will be the Brisbane Broncos coach in 2019,” Bennett said.
On the other side of the coin Bellamy has not decided his fu- ture but if he commits to Melbourne Storm it will be longterm.
“Melbourne have offered me a three-year deal,” Bellamy said.
“If I commit to Melbourne it will be to that deal.
“There a lot of things for me to consider.”
Bellamy said there was little chance he take a year away from the game.
“Twelve months is a long time away from the game,” Bellamy said.
“The game evolves quickly and it can pass you by in that amount of time.
“I don’t think there is much chance I will take that kind of time off.”