Bennett spits dummy

Broncos coach storms out on media

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has labelled speculation about his future as “rubbish” before storming out of a press conference.

In a dramatic prelude to tonight’s Brisbane-Storm blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium, Bennett became so incensed yesterday over questions about his coaching future he walked out on his weekly media conference, adding: “You guys (the media) have ruined it”.

It was the first time he had cut short his traditional pre-match media confidence since his return to the Broncos in 2015.

But with speculation his coaching rival tonight, Storm super-coach Craig Bellamy, could eventually succeed him at the Broncos, 68-year-old Bennett was in no mood to discuss Brisbane’s succession plan.

“I don’t want to buy into the rubbish,” he fired.

“You had Paul Green (Cowboys coach) here a month ago and now we’ve moved on.

“There is a great game of football tomorrow night, let’s talk about the footy and leave the rest to you guys to speculate.”

Asked if he would see out his deal, which expires at the end of 2019, Bennett said: “Nothing is permanent, nothing is temporary, even for coaches. But I have a contract here for next year.”

On Wednesday, the offcontract Bellamy, 58, said he was open to all options and would consider even a part-time or consultancy role next year.

Asked if he could work alongside Bellamy, whom Bennett first hired as his assistant at the Broncos in 1998, the Broncos veteran coach finally snapped.

“I’m not entering any of your speculation,” he said.

“You have to get on shows and talk for hours and you have nothing to talk about, but you make it up. Whatever it is.

“You know more than I do. I am coach here next year as far as I know. It could change but that’s what’s happening.

“I didn’t groom Craig for the job here once upon a time.

“If you want talk about the footy, I will leave it at that ... you guys have ruined it.”

Bennett then turned on his heels and headed for the sheds.

Bennett earlier confirmed prop Matt Lodge would take the field tonight. The Brisbane bookend has rib-cartilage damage but will carry the injury against a monster Storm pack.

“He feels he can manage it – he did the other night (lst Saturday) in Auckland,” Bennett said. “He’s had a week off now so he’s pretty confident.”