Wayne Bennett ends speculation on future by quitting as coach of Newcastle Knights

BENNETT: “I AM not comfortable with the performance of the team over the three years and I take full responsibility for that.” Where to next?

Wayne Bennett, Coach of Newcastle, during the Auckland Nines at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. pic Mark Evans

WAYNE Bennett said embarrassment at his team’s performances this season was the catalyst for his decision to quit at the end of the season.

“The NRL and those that are running the club at the moment were keen for me to stay but I’ve been here three years and I don’t think our performances, particularly this year, have been satisfactory,” he said at a press conference confirming his departure.

“So in view of that, I take a bit of responsibility and ownership of that – I always have.

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“If I was in my first year here, it might have been different but it’s my third year now and I’m most disappointed with what we’ve done and it gives someone else an opportunity to come and see what they can do.

“The overall performance was the catalyst for me. I’m extremely disappointed. I’m embarrassed by it and it’s time to move on.”

Bennett claimed the Knights’ off-field dramas had impacted on the team but there are no excuses for where the club finds itself on the NRL ladder.

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Wayne Bennett talks to Darius Boyd at Newcastle training. Pic: Peter Lorimer

“Everything had its part but the end result is we haven’t played what I think what we are capable of playing and the buck stops with me,” he said.

“You can’t keep passing the buck and blaming other people. It does stop with me. I’ve always accepted that as a coach. I’ve been responsible in that area.”

Asked was he walking away from unfinished business, he said:

“No I don’t feel that. I’ve done as good as I can do.

“I wouldn’t have lasted 28 years in the NRL if I’d have had seasons like I’ve had here. So for me, it’s about the high standards that I set for myself and I don’t feel like the team has come to those standards and it’s an opportunity for someone else.”

Bennett said he had no desire to quit coaching altogether but claimed he doesn’t have a new job to go to yet despite speculation linking him to a return to St George Illawarra.

He denied having even spoken to the Dragons.

“It all remains to be seen what I do going forward,”he said.

“I haven’t made any decisions about that.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone. I just got this matter resolved first and I’ll have a look and see what’s available now.”

“I haven’t lost that (desire). I haven’t lost that at all. That’s part of making this decision.

“That drive to still want to coach. It’s about taking some ownership and responsibility for what’s happened here.

“I’ve done that and I’ll move on and make another decision about where my future is.”

Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett leaves the field after the Alex McKinnon match earlier this season.

Originally signed until the end of the 2015 season under the former ownership of Nathan Tinkler, Bennett’s contract had to be re-negotiated when the NRL took control of the club several weeks ago.

At the time, NRL boss Dave Smith publicly declared he wanted Bennett to stay on for the long term to help rebuild the Knights under a new ownership model.

But the seven-time premiership-winning coach said he would have to weigh up his future before committing himself to another long-term deal.

Knights boss Matt Gidley said he was disappointed to see Bennett go but understood his decision.

“Wayne has made this decision because he believes it is what is best for the club,” Gidley said.

“Wayne’s experience has been invaluable, particularly during our challenging periods.”

Bennett will leave the Knights without bringing a premiership to Newcastle.

Bennett spent several days during the Knights bye weekend mulling over what he intended to do before coming to his decision to leave.

“What’s happened at the club this season has just worn him out,” one source said.

“The jailing of Russell Packer, the off-field dramas with Tinkler and the shocking injury to Alex McKinnon have all affected him.

“The Alex situation in particular has really hit him hard.”

Bennett arrived at the Knights with a four year deal and the expectation that he would deliver another premiership in that time frame.

After a disappointing first season, he took the club to within one game of the grand final in 2013 but his team is now in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon this season.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett ends speculation on future by quitting as coach of Newcastle Knights