Broncos axe Wayne Bennett after ill-fated press conference

The axe fell on Wayne Bennett yesterday but his demise as coach of the Brisbane Broncos was sealed last Friday.

Wayne Bennett has had his contract terminated by Brisbane Broncos and will start as of South Sydney this week. Picture: Peter Wallis

The axe fell on Wayne Bennett yesterday but his demise as coach of the Broncos was sealed last Friday.

Broncos officials arrived at the club’s Red Hill headquarters late last week firmly of the belief that they were in the final stages of nutting out a deal that would allow Bennett and South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold to swap clubs for 2019, the pair having already agreed to do so in 2020.

Then Bennett took charge, calling a press conference in which he insisted he would see out the final year of his deal at Brisbane. He wasn’t going anywhere. He had commitments to his players and staff that he needed to honour.

His relationship with Broncos chair Karl Morris and chief executive Paul White was already strained. By the end of the Bennett press conference, it was fractured beyond repair. Morris and White took some time to absorb the events before deciding they had to act. The Australian revealed the club was in the process of sacking Bennett yesterday morning. By late yesterday, it had become a reality, the news delivered by voicemail then email after Bennett failed to answer multiple calls from White.

Brisbane immediately confirmed Seibold would begin coaching this morning. Souths released a statement yesterday confirming Bennett be at Redfern this week.

“The fact is that some relationships change over time,” White said. “The relationship between Wayne and the Broncos has changed to the point that it’s no longer workable. Rugby league is now a game of small margins. You need luck but you must have the best preparation possible. Due to the events of recent weeks, some of which have been made public and some which will not be, Wayne Bennett is now not the best person to lead our club as coach.”

Asked how the players would react — it is understood several raised concerns about the ongoing disruption — White said: “I think the reaction now from players will be very positive. I don’t say that out of any disrespect to Wayne.

“Players need clarity and consistency. We couldn’t afford to go through another week of what we went through last week, let alone for the rest of the pre-season.

“The decision today gives us the chance to move forward. I made multiple phone calls (to Wayne) and I unfortunately had to communicate that decision via voice message and over email.

“You might ask was that disappointing? Yes it was. But such was the nature of this whole issue that it was important that we had it resolved, particularly before the players returned tomorrow.

“I wasn’t in a position to speak to him directly.”

Bennett declined to comment when contacted by The Australian but said he was looking forward to his new role in a statement released by 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,”he said. “I’m really looking forward to being at South Sydney and working with the players, staff, board and all of the Members. It’s a wonderful club, South Sydney, and I feel privileged to have the chance to coach this team.”

It is understood the Broncos believe they were within their rights to terminate Bennett for breach of contract. The former Broncos coach is alleged to have played a role in recruiting for Souths for the 2019 season, as well as being involved in planning of their pre-season training.

Whether Bennett is paid out by the Broncos for his final year is yet to be decided, clouded by a unique contractual situation which pays him separately for his coaching duties and use of his image rights.

Yesterday’s announcement ends a tawdry period for the club and their legendary coach. The Broncos initially offered Bennett the chance to coach next season and then move into a role off the field. However, Bennett insisted he wanted to continue coaching beyond 2019 and when Seibold hesitated on an extension, the Rabbitohs swooped.

With Bennett now on his way to Souths, attention will turn to his staff and playing roster. Brisbane assistant Jason Demetriou is expected to follow Bennett to the Rabbitohs while Souths assistant Peter Gentle and conditioner Paul Devlin are expected to move to the Broncos.