Wayne Bennett ends 42-year marriage for another woman

THE family of Brisbane Broncos supercoach Wayne Bennett are in shock after he walked out on his 42-year marriage to start a new romance.

The marriage of Wayne and Trish Bennett (left) has broken down following revelations the supercoach has found love with Dale Tynan (right). Picture: Images altered

• Wayne Bennett: Coach’s shock split from wife

A SECRET blonde has stolen the heart of Brisbane Broncos supercoach Wayne Bennett, shattering his 42-year marriage and rocking the sporting world.

The one-time Father of the Year has walked out on wife Trish and their two disabled children to begin a new life with Dale Tynan, a buxom secretary he met during his coaching stint in Newcastle.

Tynan, 50, has since moved to Queensland to be with the 66-year-old Broncos coach.

The Bennett family, including Trish and children Justin, Elizabeth and Katherine, are said to be devastated, and angry.

One family member said yesterday: “Trish can’t believe it, she is very disappointed. But she’s resilient. We are doing everything we can to support her and the kids and that’s all that matters right now.”

Bennett’s son-in-law Ben Ikin, a Fox Sports commentator and former Queensland State of Origin player, has had little to no contact since Bennett broke the heartbreaking news. Ikin’s wife Elizabeth, Bennett’s daughter, was especially upset, friends said.

Wayne and Trish Bennett with daughters Katherine (left) and Elizabeth (right) in 1999. The couple also have a son, Justin. Picture: Anthony Weate

Bennett yesterday released a statement confirming the breakdown of his marriage as rumours of his shock bust-up swept the rugby league world.

“As an NRL head coach and thereby a public figure, I today inform you about a personal matter and the fact I have separated from my wife and the family home some time ago,” he said.

“I will continue to appear publicly in my role at the Brisbane Broncos but at the same time ask that you respect my personal privacy and that of my family.”

Bennett declined to comment when contacted yesterday by The Sunday Mail. It is understood Bennett is adamant he has been faithful to Trish and did not have a physical relationship with Ms Tynan during his three seasons at Newcastle between 2012-14.

Dale Tynan has moved to Brisbane to be with Wayne Bennett. Picture: Supplied

Bennett and his wife seemed to have an unbreakable bond. Trish largely raised their three children, two of whom are disabled, as Bennett built his reputation as rugby league’s greatest coach.

“I couldn’t have done all this without her support,’’ he once told The Sunday Mail.

But their long-lasting union is now over, with Bennett quietly moving out of the couple’s lavish $2 million apartment in the Brisbane CBD six weeks ago to begin his new relationship. It has now been put up for rent.

Dale Tynan. Picture: Supplied

Well-placed sources said Bennett fell in love with Ms Tynan during his three-year tenure in Newcastle.

Ms Tynan was the secretary of Newcastle’s club doctor. She was a popular figure who was well liked by Knights players and employees, with one describing her as “fun” and “a good sort”. It is understood Bennett and Ms Tynan have cemented their relationship by moving in together in a Brisbane suburb. Her adult daughter has listed her place of residence as Brisbane on social media.

Ms Tynan is believed to have accompanied Bennett to the UK during his mid-season trip to coach England.

Bennett left for England after Brisbane’s clash against Canberra on June 9.

On June 13, he met with 31 English squad hopefuls in Leeds. Two days later, Ms Tynan posted a photo of a red telephone booth on Instagram. The location was listed as Kensington Palace, the home of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Bennett informed Broncos players of his marriage split at a team meeting just 24 hours before Brisbane’s season-ending 26-20 finals loss to the Cowboys on Friday night.

The club’s chief executive Paul White and chairman Dennis Watt were aware of the situation but declined to comment, saying it was a private matter.

Wayne Bennett pictured during a street demonstration when he was a member of the Queensland Police force in 1978.

Bennett, whose alcoholic father walked out on his mother Patricia and four children when Wayne was 11, was a young policeman when he married Trish in Toowoomba after they went on a blind date.

Wayne and Trish Bennett.

Bennett once said he was the “luckiest guy in the world” to meet his future wife. The couple received nationwide admiration after an Australian Story TV documentary on ABC in 1999 detailed their inspirational journey raising two disabled children.

Bennett was named Queensland Father of the Year in 1998.

Bennett and his wife mostly lived apart for almost six years during his coaching stints at the Dragons and Newcastle between 2009-14. The veteran coach lived in rented apartments, regularly making whirlwind trips to Brisbane to spend time at home.

When he returned to the Broncos in November 2014, he said the desire to reunite with his family was a major factor in his decision.

At the time, he opened up to The Courier-Mail about Trish’s unyielding love and support.

“I couldn’t have done all this without her support,” Bennett said.

“I know that much ... it wouldn’t have happened at all. Trish and the family didn’t want to see me staying at home and not being happy and not being challenged.

“We just got on with life as a family and as a unit we have made it work. Once we made that decision, Trish supported me totally.”