IF Wayne Bennetts time at the Newcastle Knights comes to an end this year, where will the mastercoach go?
A meeting on Thursday between Bennett, the Knights and new club owners the NRL is expected to paint a clearer picture of the mastercoachs future in Newcastle.
Lured to the Hunter by Nathan Tinklers $1m plus per year contract offer, the Knights probably cant afford Bennetts enormous salary anymore and results this year has seen the six-time premiership-winner lumped with the tag of Newcastles least successful coach.
While that doesnt make Bennett any less desirable to an NRL club, his impeccable coaching record speaks for itself and the Knights were one win from last years grand final, the question remains if its not the Knights next year then who takes Bennett on board?
Few clubs could stump up the seven-figure salary Bennett commands and of those clubs fending off the dreaded bottom four Sharks, Knights, Raiders, Dragons and Titans only the Dragons job is actually or likely to be available next year.
Given Bennett took St George Illawarra to the 2010 premiership he would seem an obvious candidate, but the Dragons have spoken to former Cowboys coach Neil Henry at least twice already while interim coach Paul McGregor seems to be putting together an impressive resume for the gig full-time.
Rumours of Bennetts interest to return to Brisbane have been doing the rounds since February last year, but much water needs to pass under that bridge for that situation to come to fruition.
Firstly, Anthony Griffin has Brisbane pushing for a top four finish which would guarantee beyond any doubt his future at the club.
Even if they miss the top four, Griffin wont be removed easily given he has much support in high levels at the club and his recruitment of Anthony Milford next season just might tip the Broncos into genuine premiership contention.
If Bennett were to leave the Knights at the end of 2014 and want a return to his family in Queensland, the Gold Coast Titans would be crazy not to approach the NRL veteran and offer some sort of role at the club.
Coach John Cartwright has already shown this year he has an ability to work successfully alongside a strong head coach in Henry, so why not see if Bennett is interested in helping the club.
It doesnt have to be as head coach, Cartwright wont be sacked with two years to go on his contract, but Bennett may offer a new perspective to the Titans as a consultant or director that can help turn the club around.
Most of all, Bennett would bring an immediate respect and hope back to the Titans who are struggling on and off the field. If things fall apart between Bennett and the Knights, then the Titans need to somehow find the finances to take a gamble that could help lift the club immediately out of their mire.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...where-does-he-go/story-fni3fh9n-1226966699216
With twists and turns, the saga goes on.