Wayne Bennett news

[Red]

TOM GILBERT​

While Gilbert’s quality was clear to rugby league fans after making his Origin debut in 2022, the gun lock has taken his game to a new level under Bennett. The 22-year-old signed with the Dolphins in April 2022 and in a shock move, it was actually Gilbert who reached out to the NRL coach. The former Cowboys was keen on a return to his native Brisbane and said: “I wanted to come home and I saw this opportunity” to. Gilbert had only played 47 games before he shifted to the Dolphins, cementing himself into the Cowboys starting 17 in 2022. But in 2023, Gilbert has become a new beast and teammate Mark Nicholls couldn’t believe how competitive he really is. “I reckon he would fight over a 10-cent piece, and he’d do it for his mates. He’s one of those blokes who is the ultimate competitor,” Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls said. “I’ve loved playing with him. I’ve loved training with him. He is quite inspirational really.” Under Bennett Gilbert touches the ball five more times a game than in his previous 29 starting appearances. He has also increased his running metres, tackle busts, line breaks and tackles. His performances will have caught Maroons coach Billy Slater’s eye once again and the gun lock could add to his singular Queensland game this season.

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Not sure he is a "reject" or "misfit". Just that his best position is lock and NQ have JT as the lock for another 5 years. They simply couldn't afford someone of Gilbert's caliber playing out of his best position or as a mere back up lock.

 

[Dolph]

TOM GILBERT​

While Gilbert’s quality was clear to rugby league fans after making his Origin debut in 2022, the gun lock has taken his game to a new level under Bennett. The 22-year-old signed with the Dolphins in April 2022 and in a shock move, it was actually Gilbert who reached out to the NRL coach. The former Cowboys was keen on a return to his native Brisbane and said: “I wanted to come home and I saw this opportunity” to. Gilbert had only played 47 games before he shifted to the Dolphins, cementing himself into the Cowboys starting 17 in 2022. But in 2023, Gilbert has become a new beast and teammate Mark Nicholls couldn’t believe how competitive he really is. “I reckon he would fight over a 10-cent piece, and he’d do it for his mates. He’s one of those blokes who is the ultimate competitor,” Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls said. “I’ve loved playing with him. I’ve loved training with him. He is quite inspirational really.” Under Bennett Gilbert touches the ball five more times a game than in his previous 29 starting appearances. He has also increased his running metres, tackle busts, line breaks and tackles. His performances will have caught Maroons coach Billy Slater’s eye once again and the gun lock could add to his singular Queensland game this season.

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Not sure he is a "reject" or "misfit". Just that his best position is lock and NQ have JT as the lock for another 5 years. They simply couldn't afford someone of Gilbert's caliber playing out of his best position or as a mere back up lock.

Gilbert was already an Origin player when he came to the Dolphins. You're right I'm sure the Cowboys would have liked to keep him.

 

[Jetty]

EUAN AITKEN​

Aitken began his NRL career with the Dragons, making his debut in Round 3 of the 2015 season. The 27-year-old emerged as one of the NRL’s most exciting centres at the Red V and at one point there were even calls for the outside back to earn a State of Origin debut. Aitken eventually left the Dragons for the Warriors before he was granted an early release from his New Zealand contract to join the Dolphins. The gun centre failed to live up to expectation for the Warriors, but has been simply excellent under Wayne Bennett. With the NRL’s newest franchise, Aitken has only missed time on the field due to injury with a hamstring blow ruling him out at halftime against the Sharks. He is also averaging more tackle busts, line breaks, line break assists, try assists, offloads and less missed tackles for the Dolphins than in his previous 151 starting appearances in the NRL. Referencing his potential Origin call-up, Ginnane explained Aitken may have lived up to his potential at the Redcliffe-based club. “But none more so than Euan Aitken, he has once again become the player that many thought he was in his early days at the Dragons when he was knocking on the door of Origin selection,” Ginnane said.

This was n interesting read.

 

[Red]

Bennett’s radical plan to introduce an NRL contract bank an fix transfer system ‘circus’​

Bennett has called on the NRL to introduce a radical plan to fix the transfer system “circus”, saying the only opponents to the idea are those who reject transparency in the player market.​

• Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Rugby league’s most senior coach, Wayne Bennett, has blasted the code’s current transfer system as a “circus”.
  
  
• Bennett has proposed the ARL Commission introduce a ‘contract bank’ where clubs interested in an off-contract player must formally disclose their financial offers to the NRL and the salary-cap auditor.
• Bennett was left bemused by the recent battle for the signature of Canberra’s NSW Origin star Jack Wighton.
• South Sydney prevailed in the bidding war, despite the Rabbitohs allegedly tabling the cheapest deal to Wighton.
• Bennett believes an NRL transfer window should be complemented by a contract bank where formal offers must be lodged with the NRL to ensure full disclosure.

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I don't know how this is supposed to work. What's to stop a formal contract being lodged along with a handshake not disclosed?

 

[Dolph]

Bennett’s radical plan to introduce an NRL contract bank an fix transfer system ‘circus’​

Bennett has called on the NRL to introduce a radical plan to fix the transfer system “circus”, saying the only opponents to the idea are those who reject transparency in the player market.​

• Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Rugby league’s most senior coach, Wayne Bennett, has blasted the code’s current transfer system as a “circus”.
  
  
• Bennett has proposed the ARL Commission introduce a ‘contract bank’ where clubs interested in an off-contract player must formally disclose their financial offers to the NRL and the salary-cap auditor.
• Bennett was left bemused by the recent battle for the signature of Canberra’s NSW Origin star Jack Wighton.
• South Sydney prevailed in the bidding war, despite the Rabbitohs allegedly tabling the cheapest deal to Wighton.
• Bennett believes an NRL transfer window should be complemented by a contract bank where formal offers must be lodged with the NRL to ensure full disclosure.

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I don't know how this is supposed to work. What's to stop a formal contract being lodged along with a handshake not disclosed?

Another scam is paying family members a lot of money for work that only exists on paper.

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Bennett’s radical plan to introduce an NRL contract bank an fix transfer system ‘circus’​

Bennett has called on the NRL to introduce a radical plan to fix the transfer system “circus”, saying the only opponents to the idea are those who reject transparency in the player market.​

• Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Rugby league’s most senior coach, Wayne Bennett, has blasted the code’s current transfer system as a “circus”.
  
  
• Bennett has proposed the ARL Commission introduce a ‘contract bank’ where clubs interested in an off-contract player must formally disclose their financial offers to the NRL and the salary-cap auditor.
• Bennett was left bemused by the recent battle for the signature of Canberra’s NSW Origin star Jack Wighton.
• South Sydney prevailed in the bidding war, despite the Rabbitohs allegedly tabling the cheapest deal to Wighton.
• Bennett believes an NRL transfer window should be complemented by a contract bank where formal offers must be lodged with the NRL to ensure full disclosure.

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I don't know how this is supposed to work. What's to stop a formal contract being lodged along with a handshake not disclosed?

Nothing. Its why a cap doesn't work isolation. You need a draft and standardized pay scales. The NFL is the perfect example for the NRL. Other American sports go further and apply luxury taxes for those that go over the cap. It involves, them being penalized, and benefiting those that didn't exceed the cap, rather than them being kicked out of the comp or titles being stripped. Its stops clubs hiding cap rorts, benefits those that complied whilst leveling the playing field.

In relation to the draft, young players are on a standardized pay rate for their position in their early contracts, they then move to a negotiated contract after 5 years if you are a first-round pick and the club picks up the fifth year, or 4 years for others.

Problem is, many aussies don't want to see their sports Americanized. Which I understand, however, we need to make the comp a more level playing field.

 

[Josh]

Nothing. Its why a cap doesn't work isolation. You need a draft and standardized pay scales. The NFL is the perfect example for the NRL. Other American sports go further and apply luxury taxes for those that go over the cap. It involves, them being penalized, and benefiting those that didn't exceed the cap, rather than them being kicked out of the comp or titles being stripped. Its stops clubs hiding cap rorts, benefits those that complied whilst leveling the playing field.

In relation to the draft, young players are on a standardized pay rate for their position in their early contracts, they then move to a negotiated contract after 5 years if you are a first-round pick and the club picks up the fifth year, or 4 years for others.

Problem is, many aussies don't want to see their sports Americanized. Which I understand, however, we need to make the comp a more level playing field.

Well in that case, I wonder why the NRL doesn't do it?

 

[Liverbird with Phins up]

Well in that case, I wonder why the NRL doesn't do it?

A draft is considered a restraint of trade by the player’s association.

NFL and AFL players accept it as part of the process. NRL players don’t.

If AFL players challenged the draft they would have to stop it. Terry Hill challenged it back in the day, and now we are stuck with a bastardised system that doesn’t do what it should, distribute talent evenly.

 

[Josh]

A draft is considered a restraint of trade by the player’s association.

NFL and AFL players accept it as part of the process. NRL players don’t.

If AFL players challenged the draft they would have to stop it. Terry Hill challenged it back in the day, and now we are stuck with a bastardised system that doesn’t do what it should, distribute talent evenly.

Need to get rid of the barstardised system

 

[Red]

I thought Benny was signed for 3 seasons. Not the case. Next year will be his last.

 

[Dolph]

I thought Benny was signed for 3 seasons. Not the case. Next year will be his last.

Where did you get this? I thought he was on a 3 year deal.

 

[Red]

Where did you get this? I thought he was on a 3 year deal.

“Our additions coming will add some extra strike to the team and you’re always on the lookout and there is a long time to go between now and before the 2024 season starts.” Reader confirmed Bennett won’t coach beyond next season but hopes the 73-year-old stays involved at the club.

‘It stinks’: Change Tigers must make to end ‘disrespect’; Dolphins’ shock claims — Extra Time

‘The system stinks’: Change Tigers must make to end ‘disrespect’ — Extra Time

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[DolphinLungren]

“Our additions coming will add some extra strike to the team and you’re always on the lookout and there is a long time to go between now and before the 2024 season starts.” Reader confirmed Bennett won’t coach beyond next season but hopes the 73-year-old stays involved at the club.

‘It stinks’: Change Tigers must make to end ‘disrespect’; Dolphins’ shock claims — Extra Time

‘The system stinks’: Change Tigers must make to end ‘disrespect’ — Extra Time

www.foxsports.com.au

Wow, I thought he was on 3 years too. That article sounds like he has been very clear he won't coach beyond that, and is not even locked-in to play some part in the club thereafter.

 

[Dolph]

Wow, I thought he was on 3 years too. That article sounds like he has been very clear he won't coach beyond that, and is not even locked-in to play some part in the club thereafter.

I wonder if Reader misspoke. I was sure he signed for 3 years.

 

[DolphinLungren]

I wonder if Reader misspoke. I was sure he signed for 3 years.

Surely not - it's written by a journalist and it's posted on the internet, so it must be true

 

[Jetty]

Surely not - it's written by a journalist and it's posted on the internet, so it must be true

Ever seen the movie "Casino" with Robert de Niro? The law enforcement guy points to an article in the newspaper and says something like, "Are we going to do something about this?" The other law enforcement guy says, "Is it true?" The first then replies, "Of course it's true. It says it right here." and points to the newspaper.

 

[Equaliser]

Wayne Bennett warns Valynce Te Whare must lose weight​

Bennett has given Dolphins cult hero Valynce Te Whare a brutal wake-up call, urging him to lose weight​

Wayne Bennett has made the startling admission the Dolphins have gone backwards this year as he urged rising cult hero Valynce Te Whare to lose weight if he wants to realise his NRL potential.

At 117kg, Te Whare is a handful to handle and could be one of the most devastating players in the game as he prepares to make his 11th NRL appearance. But Bennett said the barnstorming rugby union convert could no longer trade on potential and had to prove himself heading into the 2024 season, especially with gun centres Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) incoming.

“He’s a young player and has got potential, but potential kills coaches,” he said. “At the end of the day he’s got to start to become a regular first grader on his ability to get the job done. That’s his challenge between here and the end of the season.

“He can finish up with a pretty good end to the season and he’ll be someone we’re looking for next year to start the season. “We all see (his potential). He’s got to lose a bit of weight (and commit) himself to his diet.

“Has he got the skills? Yeah, he’s got a really good skillset. They’re his decisions now. “There’s things in his game he’s got to get better. That’s his journey for the next month and we’ll see where he starts next year. “It’s in his hands. If he’s playing the footy and doing all the training and stuff that’s got to be done, he’ll get the opportunity. That will determine his future.”

 

[Dolph]

Wayne Bennett warns Valynce Te Whare must lose weight​

Bennett has given Dolphins cult hero Valynce Te Whare a brutal wake-up call, urging him to lose weight​

Wayne Bennett has made the startling admission the Dolphins have gone backwards this year as he urged rising cult hero Valynce Te Whare to lose weight if he wants to realise his NRL potential.

At 117kg, Te Whare is a handful to handle and could be one of the most devastating players in the game as he prepares to make his 11th NRL appearance. But Bennett said the barnstorming rugby union convert could no longer trade on potential and had to prove himself heading into the 2024 season, especially with gun centres Herbie Farnworth (Broncos) and Jake Averillo (Bulldogs) incoming.

“He’s a young player and has got potential, but potential kills coaches,” he said. “At the end of the day he’s got to start to become a regular first grader on his ability to get the job done. That’s his challenge between here and the end of the season.

“He can finish up with a pretty good end to the season and he’ll be someone we’re looking for next year to start the season. “We all see (his potential). He’s got to lose a bit of weight (and commit) himself to his diet.

“Has he got the skills? Yeah, he’s got a really good skillset. They’re his decisions now. “There’s things in his game he’s got to get better. That’s his journey for the next month and we’ll see where he starts next year. “It’s in his hands. If he’s playing the footy and doing all the training and stuff that’s got to be done, he’ll get the opportunity. That will determine his future.”

117kgs???? Jesus, I didn't realize he was that heavy. That would put him maybe in the top 10 heaviest in the competition. Needs to start next year at 110.

 

[Red]

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett breaks silence on Sydney rumours​

Veteran Dolphins mentor Wayne Bennett has spoken out on suggestions he could return to a Sydney club as NRL head coach.​

Wayne Bennett has blasted suggestions he could return to Sydney to save the strife-torn Rabbitohs but maintains he is a free agent beyond next year and could coach on in 2025. The Dolphins super coach has broken his silence on speculation a Rabbitohs powerbroker has approached Bennett to sound him out on the possibility of replacing Jason Demetriou at Redfern.

Bennett had a successful three-season stint at South Sydney, steering the club to a 2021 grand final loss to Penrith before handing the reins to his trusted assistant Demetriou, who first worked with him at the Broncos.

Bennett is furious at any suggestion he would undermine Demetriou – the man he positioned for the Souths job – in the wake of the Rabbitohs’ stunning freefall to miss the finals this season.

Bennett is contracted to the Dolphins until the end of next season and while he has not ruled out being a head coach in 2025, he has no interest in a second coming at Redfern.

 

[Dolph]

Wayne's book of feuds​

• Not exactly a feud but was against Kevin Walters becoming Broncos head coach. Didn't think he was up to it.
  
  
• Darren Lockyer: Over Wayne's sacking from the Broncos. They are on speaking terms again but still not a good relationship.
  
  
• Phil Gould: Phil says Wayne and he had a handshake agreement on Wayne taking over at Penrith instead of Ivan Cleary. Wayne insists that is lie. Never happened.
  
  
• Nick Politis: Wayne reneged on a deal to coach the Roosters after the news became public. He and Nick Politis haven't spoken since.
  
  
• Anthony Griffin: When Ivan Henjak was sacked by Brisbane in 2010, CEO White drew up a blueprint. Bennett would return from the Dragons, coach four years and mentor his assistant Griffin, who would take over at Brisbane in 2015. Bennett told White that Griffin was not up to ever coaching Brisbane. At White’s urging, Bennett invited Griffin to his house for dinner. “I had the worst meeting with any guy I have met in my life,” Bennett said. “I decided then and there that I wasn’t going to come back.”
  
  
• former Broncos CEO Paul White: Broncos chairman Karl Morris provides his account of Bennett’s sacking. He is adamant former Broncos CEO Paul White drove the decision. “It was unnecessary,” Morris tells. “For two blokes (White and Bennett) who were once best of friends, it turned into a spiteful war. “When Paul came to the board with this recommendation (to move on Bennett), I asked him, are you positive this is the right thing. “He said he was. He said, ‘we’re not going to win a premiership in the next three years under the current structure’.
  
  
• Nathan Tinkler: Two weeks out from the 2013 finals, the Knights were trailing Brisbane 14-6 in a must-win game to make the playoffs. A drunk Tinkler demanded he address the group. “You’re talking to f***ing nobody,” Bennett recalls. “Go to that corner over there and stay there and don’t you f***ing move, or I’ll throw you out. ”Tinkler walked out. The Knights went on to beat Brisbane and charged to the preliminary final. “He never talked to me again after that,” Bennett said.