End of the road for Bennett at Broncos
WAYNE Bennett’s 25- year tenure with the Brisbane Broncos is over after he was sensationally terminated via voicemail yesterday.
In a bitter final chapter to one of rugby league’s greatest eras, the Broncos board deemed Bennett’s position at the club had become “untenable” following allegations the 68- year- old had breached his contract by contacting South Sydney players and organising a Rabbitohs preseason training camp.
Anthony Seibold was last night finally announced as Bennett’s successor for the next five eyars while his counterpart was immediately installed as South Sydney coach for three seasons.
Both had originally agreed contracts for 2020 but could begin their respective tenures as early as today when both clubs’ players return to training.
The toxic stand- off between Bennett and Brisbane came to a head after News Corp revealed the coach had already been contacting Rabbitohs players and organising off- season training camps, despite still being contracted to the Broncos.
Those actions were seen as a clear breach of his contract that will likely cost Bennett a payout – reportedly around $ 900,000 – for the final year of his Broncos deal.
Broncos CEO Paul White said he repeatedly attempted to call Bennett yesterday but was left to reveal his sacking on voicemail and then email. White wanted a face- to- face meeting with Bennett despite the pair not having spoken for months.
“I made multiple phone calls and unfortunately I had to communicate the decision over voice message and email,” White said.
“You might ask was that disappointing? Yes it was. But such was the nature of this whole issue, it was important we had it resolved, particularly before the players return ( today).”
Seibold was unaware of Bennett’s termination yesterday afternoon. He was at the movies with his wife and three daughters in Sydney and emerged afterwards to the news.
He told News Corp that he was not in a position to speak until his termination at South Sydney had been made official. “I’ve tried to be respectful to all parties since this began,” Seibold said. “So I’ll wait and talk at the appropriate time.”
Seibold said Bennett had been contacting Rabbitohs players, including Alex Johnston, telling him he would be playing wing if Greg Inglis wanted to play fullback.
Bennett also wanted Souths to cancel an off- season AIS trip for an army camp – providing an example of how he was coaching both clubs.
“He’s been ringing up the Souths boys but then tells his press conference he hasn’t spoken to anyone,” Seibold said. “That’s absolute bullshit.
“He’s rang Damien Cook, Alex Johnston, Sam Burgess. It’s all gone too far and has to be sorted out.”
Souths had also been dealing with Bennett on possible signings and the club has not yet appointed an assistant coach to replace David Furner, believing Bennett would bring his own coaching staff.
It is understood Broncos assistant coach Jason Demet- riou will also join Souths. “I’m really pleased it’s all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players,” Bennett said in a statement last night. White said the club was unaware Bennett was going to attend training last Friday or that he would conduct his own press conference to state he was staying.
“The events of last Friday were quite unfortunate,” White said.