Brisbane players believe 2018 will be Wayne Bennett’s last season with the Broncos
BRISBANE players believe Wayne Bennett will be sacked at the end of this season in a move that threatens to see several big-name Broncos follow the super coach out of Red Hill.
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BRISBANE players believe Wayne Bennett will be sacked at the end of this season in a move that threatens to see several big-name Broncos follow the super coach out of Red Hill.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Bennett’s termination could be accelerated by 12 months amid concerns the constant innuendo has created a political powder keg that could tear the club apart if the speculation spills into next season.
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Broncos chairman Karl Morris and chief executive Paul White have ostensibly decided Bennett will not receive another contract in their quest for a fresh era at Red Hill.
The 68-year-old coach will only receive a stay of execution if Brisbane win the premiership — an increasingly unlikely scenario following back-to-back losses to the battling Bulldogs and Cowboys.
Bennett is contracted until the end of next year. But several Broncos players, including one representative star, have told sources it is their understanding Bennett will not be in charge in 2019.
The relationship between Bennett and the White-Morris power alliance has become untenable.
The Broncos, the NRL’s richest brand with a record $46 million revenue, cannot afford another 12 months of toxic infighting with a coach who knows there is no future for him at Red Hill beyond his 70th birthday.
The Broncos board will meet in October to determine Bennett’s fate. Should Brisbane choose to part ways with Bennett a year early, they face a $1 million payout before beginning the search for a new coach.
Privately, Bennett is pragmatic about the situation. While he is refusing to give up hope of securing one final 12-month extension, he knows the high-level ructions could force his premature departure.
If Brisbane don’t handle Bennett’s exit well, they risk losing players. Amid the turbulence, Bennett hasn’t lost the dressing-room and a number of top-liners are fiercely loyal to the seven-time premiership coach.
Forward sensation Tevita Pangai Jr only signed with Brisbane because of Bennett, personally phoning him two years ago asking for a chance. Now one of the code’s most destructive players, Pangai Jr remains off-contract and is watching the Bennett saga closely.
The veteran coach has also thrown lifelines to centre James Roberts, turning him into a NSW Origin player, and Matt Lodge, who sought Bennett’s help following his New York rampage in 2015.
Bennett would have no issue taking players with him, just as he has done previously with Darius Boyd, now Brisbane’s skipper.
Lodge yesterday appealed for Broncos hierarchy not to sack Bennett, saying he has the support of the playing group.
“I really hope Wayne stays on, I know a lot of guys enjoy playing under him,” Lodge said.
“I love Wayne, I wouldn’t be here today without his support. He just leads the way and he cares about his players. He has some great life lessons and he has some of the best morals and standards I’ve ever seen so he has been very influential for me.
“I don’t know how much longer Wayne will be here, but I am more than happy to keep playing under him.
“I’ve had experiences with coaches who I didn’t get along with. I have a connection with Wayne. I go out every week playing hard to get a win for him and the other guys are the same.”
Originally published as Brisbane players believe 2018 will be Wayne Bennett’s last season with the Broncos