NRL 2021: Wayne Bennett pulls plug on Broncos comeback to concentrate on expansion plan

Wayne Bennett has closed the door on a third coming at the Broncos, with the supercoach instead set to become one of the club’s biggest headaches.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Coach Wayne Bennett of the Rabbitohs gives a smile as he speaks at a press conference after the round 15 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, on June 17, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Wayne Bennett has ruled out a Broncos return and will press on with plans to spearhead a proposed second Brisbane team — putting him on a collision course with his estranged son-in-law Ben Ikin.

News Corp can reveal Bennett has closed the door on a third coming at Red Hill, just 48 hours after Ikin was appointed Brisbane’s new head of football to preside over a resurrection of the Broncos.

Ikin, who is married to Bennett’s daughter Elizabeth, and the super coach fell out five years ago over a family matter.

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Wayne Bennett won’t be coming back for a third spell with the Broncos.

While it is understood Ikin would have no issue working with his father-in-law in a professional capacity, the super coach is eyeing a fresh start and wants to take on the Broncos in the code’s next explosive rivalry.

Bennett declined to comment when contacted by News Corp but confirmed he would no longer pursue a return to the Broncos club that sensationally sacked him in December 2018.

The ARL Commission will make a definitive call on expansion next month and two of the three bid teams, the Jets and Firehawks, have identified Bennett as their possible foundation coach in a move that would pit him directly against the Broncos.

Bennett’s contract at the Rabbitohs expires in November, prompting South Sydney’s Hollywood co-owner Russell Crowe to ramp-up plans for the 71-year-old to be the club’s Queensland-based consultant next season.

Just last month, Bennett was privately giving serious thought to a Broncos comeback.

While he was gutted by his dismissal three years ago, Bennett helped create the premiership-winning DNA of the Broncos and believed he could provide front-office stability to help embattled rookie coach Kevin Walters.

New Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy recently left the door ajar for Bennett to smoke the peace-pipe with the club, but the healing process hinged on Broncos chairman Karl Morris making the first move.

Russell Crowe is keen to keep Wayne Bennett in a consultancy role.

The Broncos’ decision on Monday to appoint Ikin as their football operations boss to chart a new strategic direction, ostensibly sounded the death-knell for any prospect of Bennett’s third incarnation at Red Hill.

Now Ikin and Bennett, who have been strained since 2016, are hurtling toward a Brisbane expansionary showdown.

If Bennett takes charge of a second Brisbane club in 2023, the NRL’s greatest coach will become a recruitment magnet for a fourth Queensland side and loom as a competitive threat to Ikin is his charter to rebuild the Broncos’ roster.

Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher has known Bennett for 50 years and believes he would be the perfect frontman for a second Brisbane side.

“If another Brisbane team comes in, I couldn’t think of anyone better to direct it than Wayne Bennett,” he said.

“The Broncos have made a decision and I think ‘Kevvie’ definitely needs the opportunity to grow himself without being in the shadow of Wayne.

“Kevin deserves the opportunity to put his mark on the Broncos and while Wayne would do a great job back there if he was so able and willing, he would be a great foundation coach for a new franchise.

Ben Ikin is set to take up a big role with the Broncos.

“I believe Wayne offers more value to a second Brisbane team than going back to the Broncos for a third time.”

Souths chief executive Blake Solly has not given up hope of Bennett playing a role for the Rabbitohs from Queensland.

“We understand why Wayne is moving back to Brisbane, but we still believe he would add great value to our club in future seasons in a consultancy capacity,” Solly said.

“He has been brilliant for us — his experience and wisdom has helped us navigate through challenges like the competition suspension and bubble environment last season.

“Our performances on the field speak for themselves, and he is a very popular figure with our corporate partners and members.

“Hopefully he will remain involved with our club beyond the end of this season.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Wayne Bennett pulls plug on Broncos comeback to concentrate on expansion plan