http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/362f3c277efcef5ee674bd5d257bf1e2
COWBOYS coach Paul Green has fielded a secret approach from the Broncos as Brisbane powerbrokers begin ramping up their succession plan for life after Wayne Bennett.
The Courier-Mail can reveal a third-party person with a 20-year association with the Broncos contacted Green to sound him out on his desire to replace Bennett at Queensland’s flagship club.
The high-level talks occurred last year, shortly before Green masterminded North Queensland’s fairytale charge to their grand-final showdown with the Storm.
There is no suggestion Bennett is in danger of being axed, with Broncos chief executive Paul White determined for the super coach to see out his existing deal, which expires at the end of 2019.
But with Bennett set to turn 70 when his current contract ends, the Broncos are planning for the future — and Green has been identified as Brisbane’s next super coach.
The Cowboys board is aware of Brisbane’s interest in Green, prompting North Queensland chairman Laurence Lancini to put together a lucrative package to keep him in Townsville.
Green is off-contract at season’s end and has become the most sought-after coach in the code after leading the Cowboys to their maiden title in 2015 — smashing the club’s 20-year title drought.
The Broncos’ largest private shareholder Phil Murphy, whose company BGM Projects owns 22 per cent of the club, backed the Green succession plan.
He says Bennett should be allowed to exit on his terms, but sees Green as a viable successor.
“Paul Green has been a huge asset to the game in coaching. When Wayne decides to walk away, he’s one guy I would like to see given a chance,” Murphy said.
“I like the fact that Paul is very level headed. He is a smart bloke, wise, he gets on well with his players and has won a premiership. The key to winning premierships is how you build the culture of a club and gel with players and Paul has shown he can do that.
“Kevvie Walters is another consideration, he is at the club now, and of course there’s Craig Bellamy, who is a super coach at Melbourne.
“I would love to see Wayne stay there forever, but eventually the time will come (to consider his replacement).
“There’s no doubt it would be hard to get Green. They love him at the Cowboys and he has strong ties with the club and that town. He has made the Cowboys into a family so it would be difficult, but he’s one guy we should certainly consider.”
Bennett declined to comment when contacted, but Broncos legend Steve Renouf urged him to retire at the completion his current deal.
Bennett, 68, has not formally discussed retirement plans with the Broncos, but Brisbane bosses have a strategic vision, preparing for the day the NRL’s greatest coach walks away.
Green has credit points with Brisbane’s hierarchy. Now 45, he spent five years working at the Broncos in development and assistant coaching roles before joining Intrust Super Cup side Wynnum Manly in 2010.
Green yesterday declined to comment on the Broncos’ approach. He says his immediate focus is Friday night’s Cam Smith-Johnathan Thurston testimonial clash and his contract negotiations with the Cowboys.
Asked if he has plans to coach the Broncos, Green said: “I’ll stay away from that. I’m trying to get a deal sorted with the Cowboys at the moment, so we’ll see where that goes.
“My preference is to stay and get a deal sorted. Having a long-term plan would be really good, it makes your job a bit easier ... but rugby league isn’t always like that.”
LIFE AFTER WAYNE’S WORLD The candidates to succeed Broncos coach Wayne Bennett
PAUL GREEN: Has an ambition to coach the Broncos and has the runs on the board after steering the Cowboys to a maiden premiership in 2015. But the Cowboys will fight hard to sign him to a new long-term deal.
CRAIG BELLAMY: The Storm super coach is off-contract this season. A former assistant to Bennett, Bellamy was always tipped to return to Red Hill, but the planets haven’t aligned.
KEVIN WALTERS: A Brisbane legend who knows the culture of the Broncos as a five-time premiership winner. Consecutive series wins as Queensland Origin coach gives him some bargaining power.
JASON DEMETRIOU: Lacks NRL profile but has done a fine job as a Broncos assistant coach since his arrival last year. Highly regarded by Bennett for his work ethic, tactical smarts and man management.
DARREN LOCKYER: Another Broncos legend who was touted as a future coach when he retired in 2011. But Lockyer has since settled into a media role and is busy in the corporate world
