BENNETT’S NOT HAPPY OVER SUCCESSION TALK
WAYNE Bennett has declared he has no plans to walk out on his Brisbane deal and slammed suggestions he once groomed his coaching rival tonight, Storm coach Craig Bellamy, to replace him at the Broncos.
In a dramatic prelude to the Brisbane-Storm clash at Suncorp Stadium, Bennett lashed speculation he could be moved on by Broncos hierarchy to bring Bellamy – his former assistant – back.
The Broncos coach yesterday became so incensed over questions about his future he walked out on his press conference, adding: “You guys (the media) have ruined it.”
In an exclusive interview with News Corp yesterday, the off-contract Bellamy did not rule out a return to the Broncos, saying he is open to all offers.
Bennett is increasingly facing his mortality as an NRL coach, with Broncos legend Steve Renouf last month urging the 68-yearold to retire when his contract expires at the end of next year.
Bennett is under pressure to deliver Brisbane’s first premiership in 12 years – the longest title-drought in the club’s history – and angrily hit back at claims he may not see out his current deal.
“I am coach here next year as far as I know,” said Bennett, who has won 10 of 32 games against Bellamy for a 31 per cent success rate.
“It could change, but that’s what’s happening.
“Nothing is permanent, nothing is temporary, even for coaches. But I have a contract here for next year.”