Bennett will look for new club at end of his Broncos contract
A DEFIANT Wayne Bennett will refuse to retire and plans to coach another NRL club in 2020 after Broncos bosses yesterday pulled the trigger on Brisbane’s only premiership coach.
Months of speculation surrounding Bennett’s future is finally over with the Broncos confirming the 68- year- old will be axed as head coach after seeing out his current deal next season.
The final straw was Brisbane’s woeful 48- 18 seasonending finals loss to the Dragons three weeks ago.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris said last night he and Bennett agreed that he would see out his current contract in the veteran coach’s quest to deliver a seventh premiership to Brisbane before his exit. “The club will work through a thorough process, led by CEO Paul White, to identify and select a coach for the 2020 season and beyond,” Morris said.
Bennett was last night “gutted”. The decision to terminate Bennett beyond 2019 represents one of the most significant chapters in Brisbane’s 30year history, with their foundation coach having de- livered all six Broncos premierships.
But Bennett’s remarkable reign at Red Hill, which will span 26 seasons if he honours his contract next year, is officially coming to an end.
The Broncos offered Bennett a senior administrative role for 2020, but the NRL’s greatest mentor has no interest in a front- office job and it is understood he will seek an- other coaching post. Bennett’s sentiment is a clear sign he will exit the coaching world on his terms, even if the Broncos won’t grant him his wish of a 12- month extension and a swan song year in 2020.
Bennett’s request for one final contract was rejected by Broncos hierarchy, who informed the coach of his fate in recent days.
While Bennett intends to coach the Broncos in 2019 at this stage, he may yet be tempted if a rival NRL club weighs in with the greater certainty and security of a rich multiyear contract.
“Having the decision made now puts an end to speculation and allows a clear focus on getting ready for next season,” Bennett said. “I firmly believe in the playing group we have here at the club.”