Bennett lauded after Maro
RUGBY LEAGUE
ADELAIDE: Wayne Bennett’s ability to make his young rookies believe has the master mentor sitting on the verge of one of the greatest feats of his 44year coaching career.
Queensland’s’ seriesopening 1814 win over NSW on Wednesday night was State of Origin’s biggest upset in more than 20 years, while an even bigger boilover looms if the Maroons lift the shield in Sydney.
Bennett is already arguably the greatest coach of all time, with a record seven grand final wins to go with his five Origin series victories.
Maroons rookies were quick to speak in awe of the 70yearold after the win, where Queensland came from 100 behind at halftime to shock the highlyfancied Blues.
‘‘As all good coaches do, he’s got that respect among the players,’’ fullback AJ Brimson, who scored a try on debut, said.
‘‘Especially someone like myself. I looked up to Wayne a lot growing up.
‘‘Just to be coached by him, everything he says you are locked in and focused; you don’t want to let Wayne down.
‘‘I think he gets the best out of his players.’’
Brimson admitted to being nervous meeting Bennett, before the veteran quickly settled the rookie into camp.
Bennett’s coaching accomplishments are vast. His effort with nine Queensland debutants in 2001 is considered one of the Maroons’ greatest Origin series triumphs, along with Paul Vautin’s 1995 side.
At club level, Bennett’s masterstroke to help Brisbane to
the 2006 premiership with Shane Perry at halfback is widely regarded as his finest hour.
But if the Maroons clinch one of the next two games to take the 2020 Origin series, it will