Brisbane lock Josh McGuire says Wayne Bennett has told Broncos players he will be coach of the NRL club next season.
Bennett is under contract with Brisbane next year but there is speculation the master coach may move to Wests Tigers with the joint venture’s mentor Ivan Cleary linked to a Penrith return.
“There is a lot of speculation but as far as I am aware and what I have been told is that he will be there next year,” McGuire said.
“We can’t look too far ahead, obviously things happen in rugby league but us as a playing group know we are playing footy next year and it will be under Wayne Bennett.”
Asked when Bennett had told the playing group he was staying, McGuire said: “He’s been telling us all year he has a contract (for 2019) and he will fulfil his contract.
“As a team we will do our job and he will do his.”
Seven times premiership-winning coach Bennett fell out with the Broncos board this year over a perceived lack of a succession plan.
Relations didn’t improve after the board knocked back Bennett’s request to coach for another season in 2020.
The fallout forced Brisbane CEO Paul White to call a press conference to confirm Bennett was contracted for 2019 but speculation won’t go away that the Broncos foundation coach will leave next year.
McGuire is preparing for the Kangaroos’ Tests against New Zealand on Saturday and their October 20 clash with Tonga.
But the Test lock admitted he was already thinking about sending Bennett out a winner with a 2019 NRL premiership.
“I wouldn’t be playing rugby league if I didn’t want to win a premiership or didn’t believe in it,” McGuire said of the Broncos’ 2019 premiership aim.
“It’s a long road and things happen in rugby league, but we haven’t been able to play to our potential or fulfil what the club required of us.
“The players know that and are disappointed about that but we can’t carry that with us, we have to move on and start next year fast.”
Brisbane’s 2018 campaign ended with a shock elimination finals loss to an injury-hit St George Illawarra.
McGuire said he did not fear the Broncos’ early finals exit would cost him his Kangaroos spot.
“We had pretty good communication throughout the year. I knew where I stood after speaking with the selectors and Mal (Meninga),” McGuire said.
“As long as I was keeping in shape it was up to them. I was disappointed with the way the finals went, it wasn’t our year so it’s back to the drawing board.”
