Instead of another title, Wayne Bennett is contemplating his immediate future after Brisbane were sensationally upset 48-18 by St George Illawarra in Sunday’s NRL elimination final at Suncorp Stadium.
And Bennett’s next move may be determined by this month’s Broncos board meeting, where he is set to learn once and for all if he will get an extension for 2020.
Bennett appeared a dead man walking at the Broncos after falling out with the board following mid-season reports the hierarchy had knocked back his proposal to not only coach in 2020 but also take on a football director role in 2021.
His cause would not be helped by the Broncos’ shock finals exit on Sunday when they were thumped seven tries to three in front of a largely shellshocked home crowd.
Bennett is locked in for 2019 but there is speculation the seven-time premiership winner may not see out his Brisbane contract depending on the next board meeting’s verdict.
Bennett – now 68 – has made no secret of his desire to coach into his 70s and has not ruled out moving to another club with the Dragons a mooted contender.
The Broncos mentor typically would not be drawn on his future after the Dragons claimed their first finals win since they claimed the 2010 premiership – coincidentally with Bennett as their coach.
Asked if he hoped to finally earn a contract extension at the next board meeting, Bennett said: “That is not today’s conversation, I am not going to discuss it.”
However, he was proud of how the Broncos rose above the off-field speculation swirling around him.
“No one knows except this team what we have been through this season. But we overcame that to make the finals,” he said.
The Dragons were written off after limping into the finals in seventh spot with six losses in their last nine games plus fitness concerns for NSW lock Jack de Belin and skipper Gareth Widdop (shoulder).
But Bennett revealed alarm bells were ringing after his young Broncos side were talked up as overwhelming favourites on Sunday.
Bennett said his Baby Broncos had been found wanting in matches they were expected to win all year – and it was no different on Sunday.
“All week it has been about us and how good we have been going,” Bennett said.
“That was my biggest fear – the expectation would raise its head again and choke us.”
Bennett lamented losing starting prop Joe Ofahengaue (concussion) in the first 15 minutes, joining their lengthy injured ranks including Matt Gillett, Jaydn Su’A, Payne Haas and prized Cronulla recruit Jack Bird.
