Lions talk seals deal for Wayne
RUGBY LEAUGE supremo Kevin Sinfield insists England coach Wayne Bennett’s age was not a factor in the length of his new contract.
Governing body, the RFL, had expressed a desire to make a four-year appointment up until the 2021 World Cup, by which time Bennett will be 71.
Instead the Australian was yesterday given a new two-year deal that also includes taking charge of any Great Britain tour Down Under in 2019.
RFL rugby director Sinfield said: “Wayne’s age isn’t part of it at all. The two-year part suits Wayne and it suits us.
“Wayne is hungry and he really wants to succeed for England. He cares so much about the players, and ultimately his decision was made not by how much we wanted him, but the players wanting him to continue.
“For us, it is about the best person for the job – and currently Wayne is that.
“If we win every Test match now with England and Great Britain up until the end of 2019, he’s in pole position to carry on.
“But if we don’t, at the end of that two-year period then we’ll have a thorough review.”
There are currently no details of the planned return of the Lions next year, with the RFL saying the tour remains “in the planning stage”.
ST HELENS last night paid tribute to legendary player Geoff Pimblett, who has died aged 73. He played 365 games for Saints in the 1970s, scoring close to 1,400 points, and was the first ever player to win the Lance Todd and Harry Sunderland trophies.