From Sporting News,
How Wayne Bennett's luckless sales pitch to Corey Allan worked in his favour
Written By Michael Di Lonardo
During his coaching swap saga with Anthony Seibold, Wayne Bennett was accused of manipulating South Sydney's recruitment plans while contracted to Brisbane - to which he later admitted.
But inadvertently, the master coach was already shaping up his roster in May last year.
Bennett did everything he could to keep local talent Corey Allan in Brisbane's future plans, but unlike the Rabbitohs, he was unable to promise him a regular first grade opportunity with the likes of Darius Boyd, Corey Oates and Jamayne Isaako making up the back three.
Allan was convinced by South Sydney's sales pitch within hours of touching down in Redfern, in awe of the club's rich history and culture.
Rival offers didn't even come close.
''When he (Bennett) was at Brisbane he had a chat to me and said he'd like to keep me but I saw an opportunity here (at South Sydney),' Allan told Sporting News.
''When I came down just straight away the culture hit me. I got to meet a couple of boys on the first day and they were welcoming. I loved it.
''Bunnies were the main ones I was considering. I had a couple of offers elsewhere but me and my manager Sam Ayoub spoke about the Bunnies and it was the one we both liked.''
But Bennett's failed ploy eventually worked to his advantage, partnering up with Allan six months later after Brisbane sacked him to pave the way for Seibold's takeover.
''When Wayne came down the transition was a lot easier because I knew his shape and style already,'' Allan said.
''He did help me a lot up there when I was progressing through the grades.''
Scrolling through Allan's long list of representative honours, it's no wonder Bennett was so desperate to keep him.
The 20-year-old is a star product of the Queensland junior representative system, earning international selection with the Junior Kangaroos last year.
His name travelled through rugby league circles when he became the first player to be selected for the Prime Minister's XIII squad without making an NRL appearance - an achievement not even he thought he was capable of.
''I honestly didn't believe it. It's crazy,'' he described of the time when Broncos official Scott Czislowski called to deliver the message.
''I was up in 1770 which is just past Bundaberg. I was camping up there with my mates and we had no phone reception. Well, I didn't anyway, but my mate hot-spotted me and lucky enough it was at the right time and I just got the call.
''They had apparently been trying to call me for a few days.''
Allan felt like a fish out of water when he was greeted by a contingent of NRL superstars, but just like after his welcoming to South Sydney, the prodigious talent quickly found his place.
''When I got out in camp I was thinking 'sh*t'. There were all these great players around me and I'm out here with no experience,'' he said.
''I was sh*tting myself when I ran on. The crowd was crazy. But it was fine, I had guys like Frizell and DCE who welcomed me in and told me I was doing well. It really helped me and made me believe that maybe I can make it.''
Allan shined in his first appearance in cardinal and myrtle, scoring a try at fullback in the Rabbitohs' first trial against the Riverina All Stars last week.
Bennett has named Allan on the wing for John Sutton's testimonial game at Redfern Oval on Saturday in a near full strength squad, bar skipper Greg Inglis who believes he will be fit for round one.
One more solid performance and Allan is tracking to start on the wing for the Bunnies this season.
''I'm happy to play wherever,'' Allan said.
''I can always improve my game wherever I am. A lot of great fullbacks have started their careers on the wing.''
