BRONCOS PLAYERS OFF RADAR

Wayne Bennett says he has no plans to pilfer Brisbane’s star-studded playing list and has sympathised with his loyal Broncos staff who are facing the axe.

Bennett broke his silence at South Sydney headquarters yesterday after being sacked by the Broncos on Sunday.

His dramatic axing brought an end to a 25-year, sixpremiership association with the Broncos and paved the way for Anthony Seibold to take over the reins in Brisbane.

Bennett’s move to the Rabbitohs for the next three years could impact on the Broncos playing roster given the “Bennett Disciples” he has nurtured in Brisbane.

Explosive forward Tevita Pangai Jr is expected to seriously consider a move to Redfern after indicating he would only sign a one-year extension to remain in Brisbane for 2019.

But Bennett said his track record proved he did not raid the Broncos after leaving in 2009 to join the Dragons.

“If you look at the last time I left the Broncos, one player followed me (Darius Boyd) and that was because the club didn’t want him,” he said. “I don’t have a history of taking players from the Broncos. If someone wants to come here that’s fine.

“They’ve got a good club there and good people around them. If they’re happy with their environment, families, that’s more important.”

Bennett, 68, seemed more worried about the futures of his Broncos staff.

Assistant coach Jason Demetriou, fitness chief Jeremy Hickmans, video analyst Scott Barker and sports scientist Tannath Scott have been placed on leave for a week while the Broncos ponder their futures.

Seibold has already signed at least four new staff, including three from South Sydney, while Bennett is yet to take any to the Rabbitohs.

“There’s four of them sidelined, told to go away and their futures will be decided next week. I’ve got great empathy for those people,” Bennett said.

Seibold has already signed assistant coaches Peter Gentle and Ben Cross, clouding Demetriou’s future.