League: Broncos' coach unwavering as pressure builds

The Monday morning after a loss is one of the most difficult times for a footy coach, particularly in the NRL.

So when premiership leaders the Brisbane Broncos lost to the Panthers on Sunday their coach, Wayne Bennett, must have been bitterly disappointed.

This was very much on my mind as I rang Bennett at 8am looking for a question-and-answer interview.

Despite a great start to the season, Bennett is now a coach under plenty of pressure leading into the semis.

From looking like certain grand-finalists a few weeks ago, his team are no longer performing and there are worrying injury clouds over key players.

I wouldn't have been too surprised if Bennett had said, "Lowie, let's make it another day".

But he just said, "Mate, you know exactly how I'm feeling, but you also know life goes on. Let's get your interview done".

That's why he has been the most successful coach I've had anything to do with.

There's daylight between him and the next-best coach, but he has managed through it all to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Unlike some coaches, Bennett has remained the same person throughout his career. He's a players' coach.

This is how our chat went:

1. You are the elder statesman in the NRL coaching ranks. Does it get any easier?

No it doesn't because you are living with it every day. At times you are close to depression but it is a great job and you get through it.

2. What is the secret to your longevity as a coach at the Broncos?

I have managed to continually enjoy it and I don't put undue pressure on myself. I am not a win-at-all-costs type of coach and I don't think I am better than what I am.

3. Who are the best three players you have coached at the club since 1988?

I'll discount Wally Lewis and Gene Miles, who were great players when this club first started, but as a mature club, Allan Langer and Steve Renouf, they were fantastic for us. It wouldn't be right to try to name three because I have had so many. Guys like Michael Hancock, Kevin Walters, Wendell Sailor, Glenn Lazarus, Gorden Tallis just to name a few, and look at Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke now. I've had many great players who did a fantastic job for me.

4. Is the game moving in the direction it needs to?

Domestically it is, but we are not looking outside our comfort areas enough and we need to make sure we continue to grow.

5. What are the major issues facing the game for the future?

I think we will continue to be challenged by the game outside Queensland and NSW. AFL, rugby and cricket are making concerted efforts to get kids playing their game, and we have to make sure we earn the respect of these kids so they want to play league. 6. The Warriors have been a disappointment. Where have they gone wrong?

I think they were victims initially of being too impatient and had unreasonably high expectations on themselves. They have also let too many good players go and had too many disgruntled players. The administration must take much of the blame. Letting Stacey Jones go was very silly. No matter who they get, he will never be replaced.

7. Why have Queensland dropped off the pace in Origin football?

I'm not sure we have dropped off the pace, but we are continually challenged by the greater playing numbers of NSW, and we are always trying to deliver new ideas.

8. Have you a successor in mind when you do retire?

I'm not close to retiring and I'm enjoying myself.

9. Is international football more important than NRL or Super League football?

The mix is pretty right at the moment, and although it is a long season, our players are getting two months off. The Tri-Series is a great concept and it is working well. Funding is always an issue - we need to attract much more of it to allow us to develop the game outside the three major playing nations.

10. Do you think Karmichael Hunt should play for Australia or New Zealand if chosen?

There is always going to be disputes over players like Karmichael because they are great players and each team wants them. I've always thought league should apply the Fifa rules in these cases. Soccer is a much bigger game with players involved in many different club and country games.

11. Do the Warriors need a proven coach?

Yes, most definitely. The Warriors are a one-nation, one-team outfit, which brings plenty of pressure to the job, and you can't put someone in there who hasn't had the right experience and is not proven. They should pay whatever it costs or they will continue as they are now. Daniel Anderson did some good things, but he wasn't proven over time. Not only that, they need a great relationship between the coach, chairman and the CEO.

12. In essence, what is the secret to good coaching?

Managing people.

13. Can you be too old or too young to coach?

No, it's all about enthusiasm. You can be 70 but if you've still got the enthusiasm you will handle the job without too many worries.