Bennett will ‘ jump ship’ if unwanted
WAYNE Bennett says he is not a spent force and will consider any offer from an NRL rival, including the Panthers, if the super coach is not wanted by the Broncos.
Bennett’s stance comes as Titans millionaire co- owner Darryl Kelly said he was open to having discussions with the seven- time premiership coach about a possible role at the Gold Coast in 2020.
Former Broncos mentor Anthony Griffin’s sacking at the Panthers on Monday has sent the coaching merry- go- round spinning with Bennett, off- contract next year, being linked to the Penrith post.
Bennett and Panthers supremo Phil Gould were on the judging panel that chose the code’s five new Immortals last week, fuelling speculation the pair had the platform to discuss linking formally at Penrith.
The Townsville Bulletin can reveal Bennett is prepared to move to Sydney to coach the Panthers in 2020. He is also open to offers on a consultancy or director- of- football role at the Titans, believing he can inject his title- winning know- how to turn the Gold Coast into an NRL powerhouse.
But either scenario is ultimately contingent upon his future at the Broncos, who will consign Bennett to free- agent status if they refuse his request for one final 12- month term at Red Hill.
The Townsville Bulletin understands Bennett has been informally sounded out by the Panthers, but the 68- year- old said last night he had received no formal approach.
However, Bennett said if the Broncos board didn’t want him beyond 2019, he was open to any offer.
“I will say this – my first position is I want to continue as coach of the Broncos,” Bennett said.
“That’s my preferred position. But if that ( coaching the Broncos) is not the case, I still have a desire to coach. I’m not done yet. I will go where my career takes me.”
Asked if he could work with another powerful personality in Gould, Bennett said: “I can’t answer that one.
“I don’t want to say any more than that. The Broncos board has asked me not to comment until the season is over.”