England were going nowhere under Wayne Bennett and needed a change

Wayne Bennett’s reign was only getting worse. England needed a new leader to build for the Rugby League World Cup next yearBy Gavin Willacy for No Helmets RequiredSo that is it. Wane has replaced Wayne. After four years and 20 matches, the reign of King Bennett is over. It was telling that when his contract as England and Great Britain coach was not renewed by RFL head honcho Ralph Rimmer – so much to the chagrin of head of performance Kevin Sinfield that he fell on his sword – there was not a word from the surly old sage himself.The Bennett paradox has been explored exhaustively. The “Fergie of League” tag is accurate: he is a decent player who has become a massively successful coach over a ridiculously long period; he is feared but loved by most of his players; and he is feared and loathed by many of the press. From my experiences, the myth is based on reality. Having dealt with Bennett as a volunteer, fan, press officer and journalist, I found him brilliantly effusive, humble, ignorant and miserable, respectively. The full gamut. Related: Shaun Wane promises fresh start with clubs as new England head coach Related: Wigan make Warrington pay after Chris Hill’s red card in Super League opener Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

---