Bennett to return to Broncos as Griffin forced out

21 July 2014 05:46

High-profile coach Wayne Bennett will return to the Brisbane Broncos next year to replace Anthony Griffin, the Australian National Rugby League club said Monday.

Griffin, who has a year left on his contract, will remain in charge for the remainder of this season before seven-time premiership winning coach Bennett takes over from 2015 on a three-year deal, the Broncos said.

Broncos chief executive Paul White said Griffin had been asked to stand down with the decision based on the club's results over the past couple of years.

"As tough as this decision's been, I accept that decision, as does Anthony," White told reporters.

Brisbane, under Griffin, currently lie sixth on the NRL standings ladder. They finished 12th last year and eighth in 2012.

Bennett, 64, was the foundation coach of the Broncos and won six titles in 21 years at Brisbane before leaving in 2008 to link with St George Illawarra, where he coached the Dragons to the NRL title in 2010.

He has been in charge of the Newcastle Knights for the last three seasons with limited success, but earlier this month announced he would be leaving at the end of the season.

Bennett, who recently celebrated his 700th top grade game as coach, said his inability to commit to the Knights long-term was behind his decision.

Griffin said he was disappointed but remained philosophical about his axing.

"It's a big bad world out there; it's business," he said. "Life's full of challenges and this is one of them.

"I've done everything in my power to get the club to this point. For me personally, I'm looking forward to the next 10 weeks (remainder of the season)."

Source: AFP