Newcastle Knights supercoach Wayne Bennett v NRL upstarts Trent Robinson, Michael Maguire and Geoff Toovey

NRL supercoach Wayne Bennett stands in the way of a new breed of rugby league coaches desperate to begin their own legacy.

ALONG with Jack Gibson, Wayne Bennett is the greatest coach rugby league has ever seen.

Seven premierships, 26 years as a first grade coach, success at Origin and international level - he’s even won with the All Stars.

This is a man who’s done it all but still has something to prove: can he take an unfancied bunch of veterans - a “Dad’s Army” - to another title in a year where nobody gave the Knights a real chance?

Now Bennett stands in the way of three new boys desperate to begin their own legacy.

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TRENT ROBINSON

Sydney Roosters

Despite being the youngest coach in the NRL and in his debut year, the 36-year-old has already established himself as one of the best leaders in the competition and a man who demands respect.

Yes, he inherited a roster oozing quality, but few could have expected the Roosters to morph into a defensive juggernaut that has shutout teams on six occasions this season. 

A student of the game.

Apprenticeship: Robinson served as assistant coach under Brian Smith with the Newcastle Knights from 2007-10 before following Smith to the Roosters as an assistant in charge of defence in 2010. At the end of that season, he took over from Kevin Walters as coach at Catalans Dragons.

Career highlight: Winning the minor premiership with the Roosters this year, becoming the first rookie coach since Roy Masters in 1978 to achieve the feat.

Career lowlight: Back-to-back losses to the Sharks and Titans in rounds 24 and 25.

Famous relative: Brother of controversial former Essendon fitness guru Dean "The Weapon" Robinson.

What they say: “The Cowboys board should look carefully at what Trent Robinson has done at the Roosters this year in deciding who they want as head coach." - Darren Lockyer

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MICHAEL MAGUIRE

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Now in his second year at the helm of the Bunnies, “Madge” has the Burrow believing their premiership drought may finally come to an end.

A man with a hunger for knowledge and success, he has turned the club from also-rans to a powerhouse and is considered the best of a talented crop of upcoming coaches.

Apprenticeship: Assistant coach at the Canberra Raiders - first under Mal Meninga in reserve grade and then Matthew Elliott in the NRL. He moved to the Storm in 2004, cutting his teeth under Craig Bellamy and taking over while Bellamy was on Origin duty. In 2009, Robinson became coach of Super League club Wigan Warriors, winning the premiership in his first year.

Highlight: Taking Souths to the preliminary final in his debut season, before falling to the Bulldogs (also see lowlight).

Lowlight: Falling one game short of reaching the grand final with Souths, losing to the Bulldogs in the preliminary (also see highlight).

What they say: “He’s the best buy in the club’s a history. He’s got every player fit and willing to play for each other, we haven’t had that in some time. He’s a special coach.” - Souths legend and league immortal Bob McCarthy

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GEOFF TOOVEY

Manly Sea Eagles

A favourite son in Manly, Toovey took the top job under trying circumstances following Des Hasler’s decision to join the Bulldogs.

Under his tutelage, the Sea Eagles have maintained their status as NRL heavyweights, reaching last year’s preliminary final and getting there once again in 2013.

Can they can go one better and get to the big dance?

Apprenticeship: Toovey joined the Manly coaching staff when Des Hasler took over in 2004 and remained there right up until taking over for the 2012 season.

Highlight: Guiding Manly to the 2012 preliminary final, where they were soundly beaten by the Storm.

Lowlight: Being fined $10,000 and almost bursting a blood vessel for one of the all-time rants following a loss to Souths this season.

What they say: "I wouldn't discount Toovs being here for the next 10 or 20 years.” – Sea Eagles utility Jamie Buhrer