Why Brisbane Broncos sacked Wayne Bennett
It was an ugly end to one of rugby league’s greatest eras. Here’s what happened behind-the-scenes in Wayne Bennett’s axing.
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Wayne Bennett’s 25-year tenure with the Brisbane Broncos is over after he was sensationally terminated via voicemail.
In a bitter final chapter to one of rugby league’s greatest eras, the Broncos board deemed Bennett’s position at the club had become “untenable” following allegations the 68-year-old breached his contract by contacting South Sydney players and organising a Rabbitohs pre-season training camp.
Anthony Seibold has finally been announced as Bennett’s successor for the next five years, while his counterpart was immediately installed as South Sydney coach for three seasons.
Both originally agreed to contracts for 2020 but could begin their respective tenures as early as Monday when Broncos and Rabbitohs players are due to return to training.
The toxic stand-off between Bennett and Brisbane came to a head after The Sunday Telegraph revealed the coach had already been contacting Rabbitohs players, including Alex Johnston, telling him he would be playing on the wing. And he also wanted Souths to cancel an off-season AIS trip for an army camp, despite still being contracted to the Broncos.
Those actions were seen as a clear breach of his contract that will likely cost Bennett a payout — reportedly around $900,000 — for the final year of his Broncos deal.
Broncos CEO Paul White said he repeatedly attempted to call Bennett on Sunday but was left to reveal his sacking on voicemail and then email.
White wanted a face-to-face meeting with Bennett despite the pair not having spoken for months.
“I made multiple phone calls and unfortunately I had to communicate the decision over voice message and email,” White said. “You might ask was that disappointing? Yes, it was. But such was the nature of this whole issue, it was important we had it resolved, particularly before the players return (on Monday).”
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Seibold was unaware of Bennett’s termination. He was at the movies with his wife Hollie and daughters Isabella, Ava and Sienna in Sydney and only learnt of it afterwards.
He told The Daily Telegraph that he was not in a position to speak until his termination at South Sydney had been made official.
“I’ve tried to be respectful to all parties since this began,” Seibold said. “So I’ll wait and talk at the appropriate time.”
Souths had also been dealing with Bennett on possible signings and the club has not yet appointed an assistant coach to replace David Furner, believing Bennett would bring his own coaching members. It is understood Broncos assistant coach Jason Demetriou will also join Souths.
“I’m really pleased it’s all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players,” Bennett said in a Rabbitohs statement.
Broncos board members moved quickly on Sunday to finalise Bennett’s departure.
“The relationship had got to a stage where we no longer had faith we could give ourselves the best chance at performing in 2019 if we continued on the (same) path,” White said.
News Corp Australasia, majority owners of the Broncos and publishers of The Daily Telegraph, released a statement.
“Wayne Bennett has made a significant contribution to the success of the Broncos for which we will always be grateful,” executive chairman Michael Miller said.
“We understand and respect that the board’s decision is in the best interest of the club, its fans, the players, coaches and the staff.”
Those close to Bennett claim the current drama hasn’t unsettled the coach.
South Sydney players, however, were said to be confused about who would be their coach next year.
One player manager said: “Players are generally resilient but there’s no doubt they will be confused if they have one coach one day and another the next.”
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Originally published as Why Brisbane Broncos sacked Wayne Bennett
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