Wayne Bennett in the mix for Warriors job after Stephen Kearney axed

Wayne Bennett’s future is a hot topic for debate with several clubs believed to be interested in securing his services.

It is believed someone representing South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has approached the Warriors. Picture: AAP

Wayne Bennett’s future at South Sydney is set to become a discussion point yet again after it emer­ged the Warriors had fielded appr­oaches from someone purporting to represent the seven-time premiership winner on at least two occasions over the past month.

Bennett also continues to be linked with Canterbury as Bulldogs officials prepare for a meeting that could dictate the immediate future of Dean Pay. There has even been talk that Pay could walk away as early as this week unless the club backs him.

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Bennett still has another year on his deal with South Sydney, but it is understood the Warriors have been asked whether they would be interested in signing the 70-year-old.

One of those approaches was made after the Warriors made the decision to part ways with Stephen Kearney on Saturday. It is unclear whether Bennett was aware of the contact. However, it is understood the Warriors have not ruled out an approach to Bennett as they prepare to begin their search for a new coach.

There is a school of thought that Bennett would be ideal to work alongside interim coach Todd Payten as a mentor for the next two or three years.

Powerbrokers on the periphery of the Bulldogs are also pushing for Bennett to take over from Pay as early as next year, potentially as part of a coaching set-up involving a former player who would event­ually succeed the legendary coach.

Bennett has also been linked with St George Illawarra, although the heat on Paul McGregor has eased after back-to-back wins over Cronulla and the Gold Coast.

The Dragons may have to act fast if they believe Bennett is the man to revive the club, given the coaching merry-go-round appears to be picking up pace.

The Rabbitohs have already outlined plans for assistant Jason Demetriou to replace Bennett at the end of next year and it is unclear whether they would allow Bennett to leave 12 months ahead of schedule should he be given the opportunity to extend his career.

Bennett has also stressed that he would like to honour his contract. That said, The Australian has been told that powerful figures within the Bulldogs are pushing for Bennett to overhaul the club and rebuild their roster. St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt is among those on their radar.

Payten is likely to be in charge of the Warriors for the remainder of the year, although he faces a fight to retain the post given chief executive Cameron George has been inundated with resumes.

It is understood the likes of Tim Sheens, Craig Fitzgibbon, Jason Ryles and Nathan Brown have interest in the job. Manager Wayne Beavis, who looks after the likes of Anthony Griffin and Trent Barrett, has also reached out to the club. Michael Maguire could also figure in discussions given he is the current New Zealand coach, is highly regarded across the Tasman and has only one more year remaining on his deal with the Wests Tigers.

Payten will have his hand on the tiller for the time being, although he was still in a state of shock on Sunday as he digested an emotional 48 hours for the club.

“The performance on Friday (against South Sydney) wasn’t great but given the fact that we have been away from home now for nearly nine weeks, there are layers of different challenges and this one is a big challenge and a big moment that we are going to have to process before we get moving forward,” Payten said.

“It doesn’t help the situation at the moment but it is what it is and as cold as it is, we have to move forward. Yesterday was an emotionally charged day.

“When we told the players, there was some very upset individuals. Steve was quite upset, as were many of us, so it was a tough few hours. He (Kearney) is very well respected and loved by the players so they are upset. It hit them pretty hard in the face.”

Payten said he was yet to give any thought to the prospect of taking over on a permanent basis.

“When I spoke to Cameron yesterday he said that they will open it up and find the best candidate. I think this club deserves to have the best coach available.

“I do have an ambition to be a head coach one day and this will be a good test for me but we have got some challenges here at the moment.”

The coaches’ association also raised its concerns over the pressure being placed on its members as speculation mounts over a host of mentors.

Coaches’ association chief executive Kelly Egan said he was surprised by the Warriors’ decision given the circumstances the club has played under this season.