Source:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23432341-23214,00.html
Dragons have eyes on Bennett
By Phil RothfieldMarch 26, 2008
ST George Illawarra have targeted supercoach Wayne Bennett as the man to end an exasperating premiership drought of almost 30 years.
Bennett is at the top of the Dragons' hit-list and talks have already taken place between club chief executive Peter Doust and the six-time premiership-winning coach.
Not even a grand final appearance will save current coach Nathan Brown, simply because the St George Illawarra management cannot wait that long to make a decision, knowing Bennett will be snapped up elsewhere.
The Dragons originally wanted to give Brown six weeks before making a call, but the situation has become urgent because of other clubs' interest in Bennett.
Other clubs expressing interest include the Bulldogs and, more recently, Penrith, whose coach, Matthew Elliott, is suddenly under pressure after a terrible start to the season.
"When I make a move for next year, I want to make sure it's the right move," Bennett said.
"St George is a great club and a great rugby league brand.
"I know Peter Doust well ... we both sit on the board of the ARL Foundation ... but I'm not going to confirm or deny whether we've spoken about coaching."
Brown meanwhile said: "There's speculation all the time and you guys have got a job to do. My only concern is coaching the side each week."
Asked if he would stand down before being shoved, Brown said. "No way, that's not my go."
Doust refused to budge from his "no comment" stance, apart from confirming that the head coaching position was still under review at board level.
The Dragons chief executive has been a close friend of Brown's for many years, and he has supported the embattled coach despite disappointing results in recent seasons.
But he has told those people closest to him that the friendship would never get in his way of making the right recommendation to the board - even if it means the axe falling on one of his very best friends.
St George Illawarra are under financial pressure after the St George Leagues Club lost $1.6 million last year, but executives still believe they can come up with enough money to attract Bennett to the joint-venture club.
Bennett brings a lot more than just his coaching skills to a football club, and he is seen as a club figurehead who will attract huge corporate support at a time when the club needs every penny it can get.
Brown's name has come up in recent days as a contender for Graham Murray's job at North Queensland, with the support of board member and former Dragons teammate Gorden Tallis.
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