Wayne Bennett tells Broncos players of 2019 plans
While Wayne Bennett is contracted to Brisbane for 2019, speculation has been rife the veteran coach could quit to take up a new position with the Wests Tigers. But Josh McGuire doesn’t says otherwise.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BRONCOS enforcer Josh McGuire has revealed that coach Wayne Bennett has repeatedly told Brisbane’s playing group he will still be at the club in 2019.
The scrutiny over Bennett’s future has continued into the NRL’s off-season, following news late last month that the supercoach will not be offered a new contract beyond next year.
While he is currently contracted for 2019, speculation has been rife that Bennett could quit Brisbane immediately to take up a new position with the Wests Tigers.
However, Bennett’s players are adamant their mentor will be at Red Hill next season.
Anthony Milford was the first to confirm Bennett will be the coach in 2019, saying to The Courier-Mail, “I know Wayne will be here. He has a whole lot of trust with the boys.”
McGuire took Milford’s comments one step further when he revealed Bennett himself had delivered that message to the playing group multiple times this year.
As he prepared to fly to New Zealand for this Saturday’s Test match against the Kiwis, the Australian forward said Brisbane are preparing to play under Bennett in 2019.
If Bennett is leaving, he’s keeping it quiet. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
“He’s been telling us all year he’s got a contract, he’s going to fulfil his contract,” he said.
“As a team we don’t control that. We just control playing football on the field. We’ll do our job and I’m sure he’ll be doing his.
“There’s a lot of speculation but as far as I’m aware and what I’ve been told is that he will be there next year. Us as a playing group are preparing for next year.
“We can’t look too far ahead, things happen in rugby league, but we know we have to play footy next year and we’ll be playing under Wayne Bennett.”
Bennett is expected to leave Brisbane on Wednesday to prepare his England squad for their upcoming Tests against New Zealand.
If Bennett sticks to his word and stays with the Broncos in 2019, there is no doubt the playing group will want to send him out as a premiership winner.
He is the only coach to ever deliver a grand final victory to Brisbane and McGuire said the side have the potential to win another next season.
McGuire said the team did not live up to their own standards this year, but would put that disappointment behind them to chase their premiership dreams.
Ali Brigginshaw named as new Jillaroos captain
“We wouldn’t playing rugby league if we didn’t want to win a premiership and if we didn’t believe in it,” he said.
“It’s a long road, obviously. We haven’t been able to play to our potential or fulfil what the club’s required of us as players and we know that and we’re disappointed in that.
“We can’t carry that with us. We have to move into 2019 and start the year fast and come back fit.”
First however, McGuire’s focus is on Australia’s two-Test tour of New Zealand, starting with this Saturday’s clash against the Kiwis.
The 28-year-old has not played the game in a month following Brisbane’s early exit from the finals, but he said he never doubted his place in the Kangaroos side thanks to coach Mal Meninga.
“I knew where I stood talking to the selectors and Mal,” he said.
“As long as I was keeping in shape, it was up to them. We had pretty good communication over the year and I knew where I stood.
“I was just disappointed with how the finals went. It wasn’t to be this year but back to the drawing board.”
Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 2 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.
Originally published as Wayne Bennett tells Broncos players of 2019 plans