Broncos coach Wayne Bennett says he will not consider a new role at Brisbane
WAYNE Bennett has confirmed he has been offered a front-office job at the Broncos for 2020 but says he has no interest in it, telling Brisbane bosses he is not finished as an NRL coach.
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WAYNE Bennett has confirmed he has been offered a front-office job at the Broncos for 2020 but says he has no interest in it, telling Brisbane bosses he is not finished as an NRL coach.
The Broncos coaching saga has intensified with chief executive Paul White getting through a 34-minute press conference, refusing to guarantee Bennett’s future at Red Hill beyond next year.
As revealed by The Courier-Mail, Bennett has been offered another role for 2020.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris has issued a formal letter to Bennett outlining plans for the 68-year-old to take up a “senior administrative role” beyond 2019 — effectively ending his glittering NRL coaching career.
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White repeatedly refused to confirm whether Broncos hierarchy wants to move Bennett into a new role, but the super coach last night set the record straight, making it clear he will fight for a contract extension.
“Yes, there’s been talk of another job offer,” Bennett said.
“But so far no-one has come up with a job description for me. No-one has come up with a salary.
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“I haven’t discussed my exact role (for 2020), but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t want it (a new role).
“I’ve intimated to them (White and Morris) that it’s not what I want to do.”
White reiterated yesterday what he has been saying for months — that the club will honour Bennett’s existing deal for 2019 — but the reality is Broncos powerbrokers are attempting to move the super coach on.
In private meetings, White has told Bennett to heed the advice he has given many players: retire one year early than one year too late.
White has no plans to sack Bennett, but has urged him to consider retirement next year at age 69.
Out of respect to Bennett’s wonderful 25 seasons of service, White and Morris will create a senior post-coaching role with Bennett’s input.
Chairman Morris has since put that offer to Bennett in writing, but the Broncos coach last night rejected it.
“At this point in my life, I don’t want a front-office position,” Bennett said.
“The point I keep trying to make is I don’t want a job like that.
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“I want to keep coaching. I’m not interested in another role.”
Effectively, the Broncos board are buying themselves time. The next month is critical. Bennett’s only hope of a new deal for 2020 is if he spearheads a late-season charge to the premiership this season, a scenario boosted by Thursday night’s emphatic 38-18 rout of South Sydney.
The Broncos have been linked with current Souths coach Anthony Seibold and his Rabbitohs predecessor Michael Maguire, but White insists the club has not spoken to either of the duo.
“There is no talk of dismissing anyone,” White said.
“I have been consistent to say there is no risk to Wayne’s contract for 2019, I will continue to restate that point.
“We have 14 months before we need to make a decision on who is coaching our club in 2020.
“Wayne understands our position. It wouldn’t be good practice for any business to rush a decision, it’s a decision we have to get right and we need to take our time.
“Half the coaches in the competition are off-contract in 2019 … time is on our side.”
Originally published as Broncos coach Wayne Bennett says he will not consider a new role at Brisbane