Brisbane Broncos sack Wayne Bennett as Anthony Seibold takes the reins
Wayne Bennett's time as Brisbane coach has come to an end, with the Broncos terminating his contract a year early to allow Anthony Seibold to take charge in 2019.
Key points:
- The Broncos' decision means Wayne Bennett will link up with South Sydney a year early
- Anthony Seibold will join the Broncos as Bennett's replacement on Monday
- Wayne Bennett's sacking ends his 25-year association with the Broncos, in which they won six premierships
The Broncos confirmed the decision to sack Bennett this afternoon, only two days after the seven-time premiership coach declared he would see out the final year of his contract next season.
Bennett, who was in charge of the Broncos for 25 seasons across two stints, will join South Sydney a year earlier than expected as part of a coach swap between the two clubs.
The Broncos' decision follows Seibold's outburst about having a "gutful" of Bennett's behaviour during the coaching drama, which he said had placed a significant emotional strain on his family.
Broncos chief executive Paul White said the decision to terminate Bennett's contract was "very tough" to make but it was done in the best interests of the club.
"Our relationship got to a stage that we no longer had faith that we could give ourselves the chance of performing in 2019 if we continued along the path we were continuing along," he said.
The Broncos had expected to announce Bennett's immediate departure on Friday but they were blindsided by his decision to hold a media conference to declare he would be staying put.
White, who was forced to inform Bennett of his termination via "voice message and email" as he could not speak to him directly, said the Broncos "were certainly disappointed with the way that played out".
"Wayne held the press conference and he reinforced he wanted to be with us in 2019," he said.
"We took some time over the last couple of days to consider our total position and I guess on that basis we arrived at the decision that we have today."
White said he expected the players would welcome the decision so the club could "move forward".
"I think the reaction of the players will be very positive and I don't say that out of any disrespect to Wayne," he said.
"Players just require certainty."
White said the terms of Bennett's termination were "confidential".
While Bennett could not be reached by the Broncos, he was available for comment via a Rabbitohs media release, saying he felt "privileged" to be joining what he described as a "wonderful club".
"I'm really pleased it's all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players," Bennett said.
Seibold to begin at Broncos immediately
Seibold will link up with the Broncos on Monday for the opening day of preseason training after being granted an early release from the Rabbitohs, who he was contracted to through to the end of 2019 season.
Seibold comes to the Broncos with the reputation as an NRL coach on the rise.
He led the Rabbitohs to the preliminary finals in the 2018 season, an effort that earned him the NRL coach of the year award.
"We thank Anthony for his efforts over the past two years and we wish him … the best for the future," Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson said in a statement.
Seibold played in the Broncos' lower grades during the 1990s when Bennett was first grade coach.
He becomes only the fourth coach to take charge of the Broncos.
Bennett leaves his mark on Broncos
Bennett was Brisbane's foundation coach when the club entered the New South Wales Rugby League first grade competition in 1988, prior to winning six premierships with the Broncos.
He won NSWRL premierships with the Broncos in 1992 and 1993, before leading them to the Super League title in 1997.
Bennett then guided the Broncos to NRL premierships in 1998, 2000 and 2006, prior to leaving the club at the end of the 2008 season.
His time away from the club between 2009 and 2014 saw him coach St George Illawarra to its 2010 premiership, however he had mixed results with Newcastle during his three seasons with the club (2012-2014).
Bennett returned to the Broncos to replace Anthony Griffin ahead of the 2015 season, in which he guided the club to the grand final.
The Broncos have made a staggering 22 finals series in his 25 seasons as coach.
The Rabbitohs would be the fifth NRL club Bennett has coached, as he has also been in charge of Canberra, St George Illawarra and Newcastle during his decorated career.
His initial two-year contract with the Rabbitohs has been extended by a season in light of his early arrival in 2019.
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