Wayne Bennett‘s return to the Brisbane Broncos could be confirmed as early as today after the super coach reportedly won the backing of the club’s board at the weekend.
Following his decision to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, Bennett was heavily tipped to sign with St George Illawarra – the club he guided to the 2010 NRL premiership. But both Newscorp and Fairfax Media are reporting Bennett has pledged his services to the Broncos.
The 64-year-old is considered royalty in Brisbane after winning six premierships in 21 seasons at Red Hill. His arrival means current coach Anthony Griffin will be sacked, even though the Broncos remain in the hunt for the top eight.
Griffin’s future at the club has been the source of constant speculation since the Broncos failed to make the finals last season. He was reportedly told on Sunday that he wouldn’t be coach of the club next year.
His departure may also have implications for Broncos chief executive Paul White. White is close friends with Griffin and has regularly come out and backed the under-siege mentor the past two years. His future at the club is also under question, though it’s understood he has a good relationship with Bennett after playing underneath him when he was younger.
With Griffin out of the picture, it is believed Bennett will hire Kevin Walters and retain current assistant Stephen Kearney to serve underneath him.
Former Newcastle coach Rick Stone is the early favourite to replace Bennett at the Knights in 2015.
