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Wayne Bennett and future coach talk

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,482
I'm disappointed because I think it reflects poorly on him, first opportunity to cut and run and he does.

There have been issues beyond his control such as Packer and Alex but he also owns a big chunk of the mess such as the aging roster and lack of results.

He could have taken the hard option and stayed to rectify the situation or he could take the soft option and leave.

Seems for all his talk, he took the soft option.

Think you'll find its more to do with the $$$$$$$$$$$ that the NRL wouldn't pay him.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
More like zimmer framing for the doors.

It's not the pensioners I'm worried about. Apart from maybe Scott there's none of the older players Id be sad about leaving.

It's kids like Clydesdale who turned down a huge offer from Manly at the last minute to stay just because Bennett asked him to. Or Mamo who I'm told from a reliable source has a clause in his contract and can leave when Bennett does.

This has been a rotten year for us, and the only positive we've had or reason to be positive for the future is some of the kids we've brought through.
 

Johns Magic

Referee
Messages
21,654
I'm disappointed because I think it reflects poorly on him, first opportunity to cut and run and he does.

There have been issues beyond his control such as Packer and Alex but he also owns a big chunk of the mess such as the aging roster and lack of results.

He could have taken the hard option and stayed to rectify the situation or he could take the soft option and leave.

Seems for all his talk, he took the soft option.

There is a certain element of that but can you really blame him when they're knocking more than half his salary out?

Anyway I think it's time to look forward not back on this whole situation.
 

Johns Magic

Referee
Messages
21,654
It's not the pensioners I'm worried about. Apart from maybe Scott there's none of the older players Id be sad about leaving.

It's kids like Clydesdale who turned down a huge offer from Manly at the last minute to stay just because Bennett asked him to. Or Mamo who I'm told from a reliable source has a clause in his contract and can leave when Bennett does.

This has been a rotten year for us, and the only positive we've had or reason to be positive for the future is some of the kids we've brought through.

Yep.

Gagai, Mullen, Mamo, Sione, Clydesdale, Korbin, Tariq, Tapine and probably Leilua.

The rest I wouldn't blink if they left. Would like to keep Beau too but would show him the door before the above list.
 
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Serc

First Grade
Messages
6,902
Beau Scott is younger than some of you (and me included) realise - just turned 30 two months ago
 
Messages
3,329
Tariq signed to be closer to home and his brother. Bennett is irrelevant. The fact he signed a deal when the club's finances are uncertain basically puts the line through the Bennett issue. If Gagai and Leilua etc. can't cope without Wayne then their careers are going to be mighty ordinary.
 
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Rodent

Bench
Messages
4,203
$ got him to Newcastle so it's not surprising that when the $ dried up and control of the club was lost to the NRL, staying wasn't appealing. He'll be looking for stability in the front office no doubt which makes his gig next year pretty obvious.
 

Johns Magic

Referee
Messages
21,654
Beau Scott is younger than some of you (and me included) realise - just turned 30 two months ago

I think people are aware of him being 30 and that is the concern. It's not a concern yet but I don't see him playing at his current level for another four years.
 

Sacrolishes

Juniors
Messages
602
I just don't think his coaching style worked for us. I miss the flamboyance teams of the past. Chancing there arm to win a game. The whole let's hit up for 5 tackles and ball security has made us one of the most boring teams to watch. Just praying not too many juniors get taken. It's the best Junior crop we've had in decades!!
 

Johns Magic

Referee
Messages
21,654
Knights/Bennett statement:


Bennett decides Knights future




Newcastle Knights coach Wayne Bennett has decided to conclude his tenure at the Club at season's end.

Bennett, who was originally contracted until 2015, became a free agent following recent ownership changes at the Club.
The veteran coach has made this decision based on a number of reasons.
"First and foremost, I am not comfortable with the performance of the team over the three years and I take full responsibility for that," Bennett explained.
“While we have been faced with many challenges, the Club is heading in the right direction and I have confidence in the structures now in place.

"I believe it will take a number of years to reach an acceptable position and that is what I am unable to commit to. A longer term coach is crucial for future success.”

Bennett informed the playing group and staff this morning. He plans to continue coaching but hasn't commenced discussions with any other Club.

"It goes without saying I will thank the Members and fans of this proud Club at the appropriate time," Bennett added.

Knights CEO Matt Gidley is disappointed to lose Bennett but understands his decision.

"Wayne has made this decision because he believes it is what is best for the Club," Gidley said.

"Wayne's experience has been invaluable, particularly during our challenging periods."
The Club will commence the process for Bennett's replacement.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/07/10/bennett_decides_knights_future.html
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,482
Yep.

Gagai, Mullen, Mamo, Sione, Clydesdale, Korbin, Tariq, Clydesdale, Tapine and probably Leilua.

The rest I wouldn't blink if they left. Would like to keep Beau too but would show him the door before the above list.

Thats the nucleus of a good team. I hope they all stay.

Strong Knights = strong comp. THE heartland.
 

Sacrolishes

Juniors
Messages
602
Credit where due. He did admit his time here hasn't worked. The game has exceeded his ability. I'd love to think Stone can get the job done and is love to see him get a crack at it. He needs a good support base around though. Some new thinking assistants. Mike Crawley the U 20's coach looks the goods.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
^ Mick Crawley has been an assistant coach at a couple of clubs before if I'm not mistaken. I really hope he doesn't leave too but I'm not gonna hold my breath.
 
Messages
3,329
I feel this coaching saga will be very long and drawn out. Tim Sheens, Stone, Henry, Brown etc will all be names we hear. We need an innovative coach. One that can get us to play the Newcastle way. Hard, tough but with a degree of flamboyance. I have no words on who to pick. I just hope who does the selecting gets it right. Just as sidenote if Mulholland is the best junior recruiter in the business he must be pretty cluey on the modern game. Why not him?
 

Wato

Juniors
Messages
1,050
I only see us losing Boyd to be honest. Gagai like sims has family at the club and seems to love the town and Scott has been in career best form this season and his deal covers the next two years, he has played without Bennett before. On our coaching future I am a big fan of Mick Crawely, his teams look to have good structures and work well as a side rather then relying on individual brilliance. I don't know if his ready for a first grade job yet but imo he is our long term coach.
 

cram

Bench
Messages
3,396
I have netural feelings about him leaving. Its clear that he has not done well and I would still like to know alot more about the behind the scenes stuff that went on.

What concerns me more is the stuff he's saying without saying. If things have been okay over the last few years why is he saying that it will take many years to get the club back in order. In some ways its all like its too hard and I really wonder what the last three years has done for us.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
I just hope we never hear the words Kevin Walters or Garth Brennan.

Our best hope of keeping anyone in the squad including our star u20s side is with Stone head coach, Crawly assistant. I reckon Crawly (and Mulholland) will go with Bennett though.

We can probably kiss Sione goodbye if Bennett signs with Saints too. Wayne loves him, his brother is at Saints and he has two young centres in front of him here.
 
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