Bennett backs old club’s decision to not risk future with cash splash

NRL coach Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind his old club – Brothers Toowoomba, warning them not to overspend in search of premiership glory.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett celebrates with fans after the round one NRL match between the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters. Picture: Getty Images

LEAGUE: Splashing the cash may buy you a premiership, but Wayne Bennett says no amount of silverware can ever justify bankrupting a club or destroying its future.

“If you’re throwing money around just to win a trophy your club is heading in the wrong direction,” Bennett said.

“You want players at your club for the right reasons not because they’re being paid big money.

“In 1971 I was given $71 at the (All Whites) presentation night.

“I’d go back and play for that money again if I could because I loved the club.

“I played for Queensland and Australia that year.

“Camaraderie, spirit and a love for the game, they’re the reasons why you should want to play for a club.”

The NRL super coach’s comments follow concerns one of his former clubs, Brothers Toowoomba (formerly All Whites), would not feature in any Toowoomba Rugby League seniors competitions this year.

Lizzie Adams, President of Brothers rugby league club.

Brothers president Lizzie Adams admitted the club had found it difficult to sign players in the off-season.

Adams, however, said it was purely due to financial concerns with the club unwilling to jeopardise its future by enticing players to the club with money.

“There’s a lot of money being thrown around in club footy at the moment though and we cannot compete with that,” Adams said.

“We want to make sure our club is sustainable and viable for years.

“We’re very happy to talk to senior players who would like to join the club, but at the same time we need to develop our juniors.

“We want to be able to invest in them, bring them through the ranks and maybe one day send them on to the Clydesdales or other bigger clubs.

“Brothers is about more than just footy.

“We’re a family, a community that brings people together and supports them on and off the field.”

Bennett backed Brothers’ decision saying country clubs have always had to battle the challenge of balancing the books and being competitive.

“They (Brothers) have definitely made the right decision,” he said.

“It’s hard work, trying to balance the books and be competitive on the field.

“The first thing you have to do is balance the books though.”