NEWCASTLE coach Wayne Bennett on Wednesday refused to guarantee he will see out his four-year deal at the Knights amid speculation over the past month linking him to a move to the North Queensland Cowboys.

With his side preparing for Saturday night's preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters, Bennett was given an opportunity after training to hose down persistent rumours of him quitting the club even though he has two years remaining on his multi-million dollar contract.

But the seven-time premiership winning coach refused to take it.

Asked about the speculation, Bennett said: "Look, I've got no control over that so I don't worry about it.''

Pushed further about whether he intended seeing out the final two years of his deal, he said: "I can't give you an iron clad guarantee about anything in this game.

"Right now, I'm coach here so when that changes, I'll let you know.''

Bennett lavished praise on controversial Knights owner Nathan Tinkler, claiming the club wouldn't be one win away from a grand final appearance if it wasn't for him.

"Without Nathan doing what he (has) done, we wouldn't be where we are today,'' he said.

"His contribution has been outstanding and I'll repeat, without it, we would not be here. We wouldn't have the team we've got and we wouldn't have the staff we have. It just wouldn't have happened.''

On the playing front, halfback Tyrone Roberts, who was in a knee brace after the Melbourne game last weekend, trained without a hitch Wednesday and is not considered in any doubt.

The same can't be said for winger James McManus, with a decision on whether he plays not expected until later in the week.

Bennett said he will give his winger until as late as possible to prove his fitness.





