NRL: Broncos make play for Bennett

Wayne Bennett. Photo / Greg Bowker

The first tugs have been made on Wayne Bennett's home ties as the Broncos seek to bring their renowned coach back in 2012.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that Broncos chief executive Paul White, a close friend of Bennett's, started the ball rolling this week with a telephone call to the master coach at the behest of the Broncos board.

Bennett is the most sought-after coach in the NRL, with St George Illawarra keen to keep him after he guided the club to a premiership last year, while Souths and Newcastle are prepared to pay heavily to win his services.

Nathan Tinkler, the multi-millionaire expected to take charge of Newcastle at the end of the month, is reportedly ready write a blank cheque to get Bennett and Souths owner, Russell Crowe, has put up a $1 million deal.

But the Broncos, who will not try to match those offers, have emerged as favourites, after Bennett told White he was available for 2012.

White said last night the Broncos board had given him the green light to contact Bennett "to ascertain his availability for the 2012 season".

"I have now spoken to Wayne, and he has advised that he has not committed to a club for 2012 and beyond," White told the Daily Telegraph. "As we don't have a coach for 2012 and beyond, there is a process to be followed, we have a number of candidates and we want the person who is best qualified to develop our players, attract talent and deliver performance on the field."

Bennett, who coached the Broncos from 1988 to 2008, meets all those requirements. The Broncos appeared to clear the decks for Bennett's return when they sacked Ivan Henjak as coach last month and appointed his deputy Anthony Griffin for the rest of the season.

Griffin has been given no guarantees beyond this year, something the novice NRL coach is willing to cop. Griffin could be willing to work under Bennett.