Kiwi legend Stacey Jones beats Wayne Bennett to New Zealand head coach role
Wayne Bennett says he has no bad blood against the New Zealand Rugby League after being overlooked for the Kiwis post in favour of a national icon.
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Wayne Bennett says he has no bad blood against the New Zealand Rugby League after being overlooked for the Kiwis post in favour of national icon Stacey Jones.
Bennett was considered a short-priced favourite to replace Michael Maguire for the New Zealand job given his status as the greatest coach in rugby league, having also helped Steve Kearney in the Kiwis’ famous World Cup boilover against Australia in 2008.
But the NZRL opted for 46-Test legend Jones, leaving Bennett unemployed for next season when the 74-year-old severs ties with Queensland NRL expansion outfit the Dolphins.
“I was told (on Wednesday) morning I’d missed out,” Bennett said.
“I caught up with them (NZRL) and they said they are going in a different direction.
“That was it.
“I didn’t ask anymore questions or who the coach was going to be. That’s fine with me.
“It’s their decision.”
Bennett said he would have relished the prospect of going head-to-head with his old sparring partner, Australia coach Mal Meninga, at the 2026 World Cup.
“I have no idea why they made that call, you have to ask them (NZRL),” he said.
“I wouldn’t have put my hand up if I didn’t think I can offer something to the Kiwis.
“I took the All Golds team to England and we won a Test match over there and I came back and was part of New Zealand’s World Cup win with Steve Kearney in 2008.
“I thought I could have done something and I would have liked to do it, but they’ve made their decision and I’m happy for Stacey.
“When I first put my hand up, I got some calls from three or four Kiwi players, guys I actually don’t coach, and they were very supportive of me putting my name down.
“It’s not to be but I’m happy for Stacey Jones.
“He is a great little guy and was a wonderful player for New Zealand and the Warriors, so good luck to him, I hope he does really well.”
The NZRL has made the call to go with Jones, an assistant coach of the Warriors and one of the most revered players ever to pull on the Kiwi jersey, in the belief that he has the unquestionable passion and leadership to lead the side.
Jones’ appointment comes in the wake of Michael Maguire’s decision to forgo the role to lead the NSW State of Origin team.
Jones will be able to continue working with the Warriors while steering the national side.
The NZRL will announce Jones’ appointment at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
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Originally published as Kiwi legend Stacey Jones beats Wayne Bennett to New Zealand head coach role
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