Bennett targeted by former Brisbane boss
WAYNE Bennett has declared he is open to all offers as new Firehawks board member Shane Edwards revealed his interest in reuniting with the super coach to take on the Broncos with the NRL’s proposed 17th team.
The ARL Commission will meet with the three expansion hopefuls next week and the Firehawks are ready to ramp up their $25m bid with the Bennett-Edwards alliance that delivered three premierships to the Broncos.
Speaking in the lead-up to
the Souths-Penrith blockbuster at Suncorp on Friday night, Bennett said there was no guarantee he would move into another role at Redfern when his contract as head coach expired in November.
That opens the door for the Firehawks, who are primed to challenge bid rivals the Jets and Dolphins for Bennett’s signature as the expansion triumvirate prepare for formal presentations to the ARL Commission.
News Corp revealed on Sunday that Edwards had been added to the Firehawks board. The former Brisbane chief executive has a successful history with Bennett, celebrating Broncos premiership wins in 1997-98 and 2000.
Bennett turns 72 in January. Edwards said he would relish the prospect of reprising their front-office partnership to help the Firehawks clinch an NRL licence and throw down the gauntlet to the Broncos.
“Wayne would stimulate interest as Firehawks coach so I would love to see him considered for the role here,” Edwards said.
“Wayne’s coaching record speaks for itself and it is still speaking for itself.
“If he was to be available, he would be incredible, one from a point of view of attracting players, because I believe he develops players better than anyone in the league.
“Wayne understands NRL players are young men with issues and he mentors them and brings them out the other side.”
“I’m happy to be the great fence-sitter at the moment. I’m open to all offers,” Bennett said ahead of the Souths-Panthers showdown.
“Until there is a definite team coming in, I won’t commit to anything.
“There’s a few opportunities for me to do stuff next season but I won’t make a final decision until I finish at South Sydney and then I’ll see what’s on the table for me.”