Bennett’s apprentice ready for next step
WAYNE Bennett’s assistant Jason Demetriou is adamant he can succeed at the Broncos and has urged Brisbane bosses to give him a crack at breaking the longest premiership drought in the club’s history.
Brisbane’s search to replace Bennett for the 2020 season gathered steam yesterday when Demetriou became the third candidate to be formally interviewed for the Broncos’ head- coaching role.
It is understood Souths’ Anthony Seibold and New Zealand coach Michael Maguire have already been interviewed, leaving Queensland Origin mentor Kevin Walters as the final man to state his case.
Demetriou is considered an outside hope because of his lack of profile and NRL experience, but the 42- year- old insists he can handle it.
Bennett’s right- hand man has a formidable resume, having won three second- tier premierships, while also assisting Cowboys coach Paul Green in North Queensland’s NRL title victory in 2015.
That gives Demetriou confidence he could deliver Brisbane’s first premiership since 2006.
“I would love to coach the Broncos,” Demetriou said yesterday.
“I feel I’ve done my apprenticeship and I feel I deserve an opportunity.
“Spending the past two years under Wayne and having worked at the Broncos, I feel I’m ready now.”
Demetriou yesterday fronted a three- man committee comprising chief executive Paul White, chairman Karl Morris and board member Darren Lockyer.