IN a week of intense controversy surrounding coach and club relationships, a new layer has been added with reports a rift has developed in Brisbane.

The Courier Mail is reporting Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and CEO Paul White — who have a friendship that has endured more than 30 years — are no longer on speaking terms.

It’s believed their longstanding relationship is now strained after the Broncos made a play for Melbourne’s champion coach Craig Bellamy to join the club as Bennett’s replacement.

Bennett believes White went behind his back.

Round 20

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Currently, Bennett is contracted to the Broncos for the 2019 season, but at the age of 68, the club is planning for life beyond the supercoach.

The Broncos also attempted to lure Cowboys coach Paul Green to the club before he extended his deal to stay at Townsville.

And with the growing speculation surrounding his position, it appears likely this could be Bennett’s final season in charge of the Broncos.

The Broncos board will meet at the end of the season in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest meetings in the club’s history.

Bennett has also been linked with the Panthers, who sensationally sacked their coach Anthony Griffin on Monday.

However, he emphatically denied he had been approached by the Penrith club.

“I’m really over the coaching saga altogether. We’ve made a decision here, the board will make their decision in October,” he said,

“I want to continue to coach, everyone knows that.”