Jun 19th, 2018

Jun 19th, 2018

Penrith general manager and Nine commentator Phil Gould believes it would be in the best interests of the Broncos to let Wayne Bennett go if they don’t plan to keep him at the club beyond 2019.

Bennett is signed on with the club for the 2019 season but Brisbane had identified Storm coach Craig Bellamy as a possible replacement for Bennett in 2020.

Bellamy announced a three-year contract extension worth $5.1 million with Melbourne on the weekend, leaving the Broncos and Bennett in a precarious position.

Bennett will reportedly address the club on June 27 about his future plans for the Broncos and it’s said the officials should come to a decision in the next fortnight.

(AAP)

Bennett will talk to the club about his future soon.

The legendary mentor may yet get a new deal with the Broncos board's options appearing limited after the Bellamy snub followed North Queensland coach Paul Green also knocking back overtures from Red Hill.

Speaking on 100 % Footy, Gould said that Brisbane need to make a decision on their coaching ranks quickly because the issue is starting to drag on and they don’t want the club’s recruitment strategy impacted by question marks over instability at the top.

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“I think from the club perspective, for players they’re looking to recruit and retain they’re going to want to know who the coach is going forward,” said Gould.

“And when do you make that announcement? When do you announce who (Brisbane coach) it’s going to be? And if they don’t want him beyond 2019, then I think now is the time to part ways at the end of the year and give him his swansong, pay him out and let him go the following year.”

The super coach is reportedly also eyeing a coaching advisor role should the club want to move in another direction.

(Nine)

Gould says the Broncos should come up with a solution quickly.

There has been talk that Bennett’s age has been an issue and that he’s lost touch with the players.

Broncos captain Darius Boyd wants Bennett to stick around and doesn’t think age is a factor.

"Definitely not. At the end of the day stories need to be written, that is always going to be the way," Boyd said.

"Every year you get older either as a player or a coach you are probably one step closer to retirement so you have to keep fighting those battles.

"But if you come to work wanting to do better and get the best out of yourself and your team I think there is no reason why he should be giving it away."

"Wayne has definitely got a contract for next year which is pleasing. I know the boys love having him around," Boyd said.

If Bennett is selected to be Broncos coach beyond next season he will be the first in NRL history to coach beyond the age of 70.