Bennett ‘critical’ to code
ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has revealed Wayne Bennett is critical to the code’s expansion move after the super coach agreed to terms on a $2 million-plus deal with the Dolphins.
News Corp can reveal the ARL Commission has played a key role in Bennett’s appointment with the Dolphins, who will formally announce the 71year-old as their foundation coach over the next 48 hours.
It is understood Bennett has done a handshake deal with
Redcliffe bosses pending their official declaration as Brisbane’s second team for 2023.
The appointment of Bennett until the end of 2025 will pit him against the Broncos club with whom he severed ties in 2018.
Speaking exclusively to News Corp, V’landys said Bennett had to be the figurehead of Queensland’s fourth NRL team.
“Wayne Bennett is critical to all of this,” he said.
“One thing we want is the Dolphins to be competitive in the first year.
“Someone of the calibre of Wayne Bennett will make sure the Dolphins will be very competitive in the first year. He will mould and develop the players. He is one of the smartest football brains that I have met. He is light years ahead of most people and his football knowledge is extraordinary.
“We believe the team has to be competitive from day one and Wayne Bennett will ensure they are competitive.”
Bennett said he was ready to sign with a second Brisbane team. “I will say this – I am certainly interested in being part of a new Brisbane team and I will be happy to have talks with whoever that may be,” he said.
“I have no bias to any bid. If any of the three bid teams want to talk, I’m available. “I’m a free agent right now.” The veteran of 890 NRL games has fielded inquiries to operate as a mentor for emerging coaches. South Sydney are also keen for Bennett to continue as a Queenslandbased consultant, but the Maroons are silent.
The Queensland Rugby League is on the lookout for a senior advisor to rookie coach Billy Slater, but Bennett has had no dialogue with Camp Maroon.
“No one has asked me about helping Queensland,” said Bennett, who led the Maroons
to the greatest series boilover in Origin’s 41-year history last November.
“I can’t commit to something no one approached me about.”
While Bennett will not be coaching in the NRL next year, the ARLC’s expansion announcement will keep him busy. The Dolphins will be operational from November 1.
As head coach, Bennett will hit the ground running, talking to player managers, assessing potential recruits, implementing structures and constructing the 30-man full-time roster.