After Wayne Bennett’s newest press convention, it’s secure to say life is fairly good for the 74-year-old tremendous coach.
Whereas he didn’t let an excessive amount of out concerning his future — which is broadly tipped to be a return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs — Bennett was all smiles throughout a press convention on Wednesday.
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It’s a brand new search for the tremendous coach, who as a rule appears like he’d have extra enjoyable having tooth pulled than speaking to media.
Bennett was joyful to joke with the reporters on Wednesday nonetheless, and it’s no marvel why with the legendary mentor with all of the choices in his favour.
Studies emerged on Tuesday that Bennett would formally enter talks with the Rabbitohs throughout Magic Spherical for a return to the membership.
Requested in regards to the report, Bennett stated: “Who stated it was the Magic Spherical?
Reporter: “You probably did.”
Bennett: “No I didn’t, I stated it was this week.”
Reporter: “This subsequent week?”
Bennett: “Yeah, final week.”
The NRL’s model of Who’s on First? was met with laughter from Bennett and the assembled media.
However then Bennett answered the query … type of.
“We are going to get round to it,” Bennett stated. “You’ll find out ultimately. There isn’t a want to fret.”
The questioning then moved on to the NRL’s subsequent enlargement crew as ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys outlined a plan to develop the competitors to twenty groups over the following decade, with Bennett believed to be the goal to usher in the 18th crew.
Requested about teaching a attainable enlargement crew, Bennett was requested if he’d nonetheless be accessible, if a Rabbitohs deal eventuated.
“Joel, don’t write me out of something, will you. Simply let all of it unfold and see the place it goes and we are going to see the place the enlargement crew is available in and what 12 months it is available in, no matter,” Bennett replied.
“We’ll fear about all these issues. They’re sooner or later.”
Whereas Bennett didn’t wish to give an excessive amount of away, he did reveal he believed that Perth must be one of many enlargement golf equipment.
“I’ve by no means spoken to Perth about doing something with them, however I consider Perth must be one of many enlargement groups,” Bennett stated.
“We may have 20 groups within the subsequent decade within the competitors. Australia is getting greater every single day. That’s the way it works.
“They’re very rugby league-aware now and have had a number of groups over there and Origin video games.
“Lots of people transfer to Perth from all around the world, however actually there are a number of Australians, English folks and New Zealanders who find out about rugby league.
“It’s a big space of earnings. They have a few of the largest firms in Australia in Perth and Western Australia. All of it makes a little bit of sense, and they have nice services.”
However it was about all of the reporters might get out of him.
Regardless, it’s clear life is nice for Bennett with the hyperlinks to the Rabbitohs and the legendary coach seemingly holding all of the playing cards.
Studies final week advised he wished to carry off on committing to the Rabbitohs in case a task got here up on the Eels however Parramatta swiftly closed the door.
Even with one door probably closed nonetheless, the Dolphins have additionally left the door open for Bennett to remain on in a task after he fingers over the reins to his hand-picked successor Kristian Woolf.
And there’s nonetheless loads of footy to play this season.
Regardless, Bennett is in pretty much as good a temper because the NRL world has seen him.
After the Dolphins’ shock win over the Cowboys on Saturday night time, Bennett was seen dancing and clapping within the sheds.
Yvonne Sampson stated: “I’ve by no means seen him so animated.”
Cooper Cronk joked: “If I’m concerned in rugby league at 74, I wish to be transferring like Wayne Bennett was, shaking his tail feather.”
“As much as that time I by no means actually thought-about him staying on the Dolphins, however might you think about being the manager crew on the Dolphins,” Cronk theorised.
“They’re within the prime 4, they’re enjoying rather well. You’ve acquired this succession plan there. He had a succession plan with Demetriou and look how that fell out for him. He’s simply enjoying all of the playing cards.”
