Nathan Tinkler's Newcastle Knights sign supercoach Wayne Bennett to four-year contract from 2012
- By Christopher Boyd
- FOX SPORTS
- April 12, 2011 11:42AM
The decision ... Wayne Bennett heading to Newcastle Knights.
Source: Jone Searle / News Limited
Wayne Bennett has elected to sign a four-year contract with Newcastle Knights, the supercoach basing his decision on Nathan Tinkler's vision for the club and the lifestyle offered by the Hunter Valley.
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Bennett overlooked a lucrative offer from
South Sydney in deciding to take over Rick Stone's role at the end of the season, a move which will provide an enormous boost to the Hunter region.
"I sat down with Nathan (Tinkler) and was struck by his passion and knowledge of rugby league,” said the seven-time premiership-winning coach who is believed to have signed for approximately $5 million over four seasons.
"Private ownership appeals to me. I like it. This guy wants to take Newcastle to another level. He wants our game to capture the imagination of the Hunter like never before ... for the Knights to be the benchmark of rugby league in this country. That is the type of challenge that appeals to me.
"The Knights have already won two premierships and have been a great club despite struggling with their finances. And that’s where Nathan Tinkler comes in."
Bennett hoped that Stone would remain at the
NRL club and work under him next season, however it is unknown whether the current coach will accept his replacement's offer.
What do you make of Bennett's decision to pick Newcastle over Souths? Is this the greater challenge? Have your say at the bottom of the page!
Tinkler Sports Group Executive chairman Ken Edwards described Bennett's decision as a massive win for the community and
Newcastle Knights.
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"We are building something really special for the entire community and are thrilled to know that Wayne Bennett will be part of it," Edwards said.
"Wayne's appointment confirms exactly what Nathan has been saying, that the Hunter region has developed dramatically and now the best do not have to go to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to prosper, they can now stay or join us in the Hunter.
"This is a major step for the region as we continue to build community pride and above all, further expand the clubs existing policy to provide a pathway for all juniors to have the opportunity to play for the Knights.
"What excites everyone at the club is Wayne's commitment to work closely with the Newcastle rugby league, to ensure that a professional structure is in place for young player development and a full programme for local coaches.
"This is a genuine revolution for everyone involved in rugby league from Newcastle up to the Queensland boarder."
