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Wayne Bennett Officially Unveiled As The Dolphins' Inaugural NRL Coach

Wayne Bennett Officially Unveiled As The Dolphins' Inaugural NRL Coach

It's the worst kept secret in rugby league, but Wayne Bennett is now officially back in Brisbane.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

It's the worst kept secret in rugby league, but Wayne Bennett is now back in Brisbane.

The legendary rugby league figure has been officially unveiled as The Dolphins' inaugural NRL head coach.

"I feel very privileged actually," Bennett said at a press conference on Thursday.

Wayne Bennett.
PA

"Start of the season I had no idea this would happen. It has been quite a journey. Pleased to be back in Brisbane, pleased to be here.

"Wasn't (about) dollars. (It was about) philosophy and wanting to make sure I was on the same page and vice versa.

"We have to be compatible because I can't make it work by myself. I need all the support that sits here today so we're on the same page."

The Dolphins will become the NRL's 17th team in 2023 having recently won the hotly-contested expansion race ahead of the Firehawks and Jets.

In the wake of their successful bid, rumours began swirling as to who will take the reins in the club's first season in the NRL.

A number of big names were thrown into the hat, but it seems The Dolphins have decided on arguably the best to ever grace the game in Bennett.

We now face the wait to see who join the 71-year-old in the coaching staff.

Asked if he'd decided yet, Bennett replied: "No I haven't.

"It's important decision. We're sitting back at the moment, we've got 12 months grace there but our plan is to get someone to take my place when my time is up as we've just done at South Sydney, it works and in the best interest of everyone we move in that direction.

"Thats been part of the negotiations."

Bennett has coached 886 games, appeared in 10 Grand Finals, won seven of them and has a win percentage of 62.5%.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Wayne Bennett, press conference, Rugby League, nrl, Australia