‘You’ll find out’: Wayne Bennett teases media amid Souths, expansion rumours

Wayne Bennett is keeping his cards close to his chest, but there’s one thing is clear as rumours swirl over his next move.

Wayne Bennett is loving life. Photo: Fox Sports

After Wayne Bennett’s latest press conference, it’s safe to say life is pretty good for the 74-year-old super coach.

While he didn’t let too much out regarding his future — which is widely tipped to be a return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs — Bennett was all smiles during a press conference on Wednesday.

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It’s a new look for the super coach, who more often than not looks like he’d have more fun having teeth pulled than talking to media.

Bennett was happy to joke with the reporters on Wednesday however, and it’s no wonder why with the legendary mentor with all the options in his favour.

Reports emerged on Tuesday that Bennett would officially enter talks with the Rabbitohs during Magic Round for a return to the club.

Asked about the report, Bennett said: “Who said it was the Magic Round?

Reporter: “You did.”

Bennett: “No I didn’t, I said it was this week.”

Reporter: “This next week?”

Bennett: “Yeah, last week.”

The NRL’s version of Who’s on First? was met with laughter from Bennett and the assembled media.

Wayne Bennett is loving life. Photo: Fox Sports

Wayne Bennett is living his best life. Photo: Fox League

But then Bennett answered the question … kind of.

“We will get around to it,” Bennett said. “You will find out sooner or later. There is no need to worry.”

The questioning then moved on to the NRL’s next expansion team as ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys outlined a plan to grow the competition to 20 teams over the next decade, with Bennett believed to be the target to bring in the 18th team.

Asked about coaching a possible expansion team, Bennett was asked if he’d still be available, if a Rabbitohs deal eventuated.

“Joel, don’t write me out of anything, will you. Just let it all unfold and see where it goes and we will see where the expansion team comes in and what year it comes in, whatever,” Bennett replied.

“We’ll worry about all those things. They’re in the future.”

While Bennett didn’t want to give too much away, he did reveal he believed that Perth should be one of the expansion clubs.

“I have never spoken to Perth about doing anything with them, but I believe Perth should be one of the expansion teams,” Bennett said.

“We will have 20 teams in the next decade in the competition. Australia is getting bigger every day. That is how it works.

“They are very rugby league-aware now and have had a lot of teams over there and Origin games.

“A lot of people move to Perth from all over the world, but certainly there are a lot of Australians, English people and New Zealanders who know about rugby league.

“It is a huge area of income. They have got some of the biggest companies in Australia in Perth and Western Australia. It all makes a bit of sense, and they have got great facilities.”

We’re usually only used to the rare smirk from Bennett. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

But it was about all the reporters could get out of him.

Regardless, it’s clear life is good for Bennett with the links to the Rabbitohs and the legendary coach seemingly holding all the cards.

Reports last week suggested he wanted to hold off on committing to the Rabbitohs in case a role came up at the Eels but Parramatta swiftly closed the door.

Even with one door potentially closed however, the Dolphins have also left the door open for Bennett to stay on in a role after he hands over the reins to his hand-picked successor Kristian Woolf.

And there’s still plenty of footy to play this season.

Regardless, Bennett is in as good a mood as the NRL world has seen him.

After the Dolphins’ shock win over the Cowboys on Saturday night, Bennett was seen dancing and clapping in the sheds.

Yvonne Sampson said: “I’ve never seen him so animated.”

Cooper Cronk joked: “If I’m involved in rugby league at 74, I want to be moving like Wayne Bennett was, shaking his tail feather.”

“Up to that point I never really considered him staying at the Dolphins, but could you imagine being the executive team at the Dolphins,” Cronk theorised.

“They’re in the top four, they’re playing really well. You’ve got this succession plan there. He had a succession plan with Demetriou and look how that fell out for him. He’s just playing all the cards.”

Originally published as ‘You’ll find out’: Wayne Bennett teases media amid Souths, expansion rumours