Grieving Bennett likely to miss Eels match

Updated June 3, 2011 16:37:00

St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett is expected to miss tonight's NRL clash with Parramatta after his mother died.

Patricia Bennett, 81, passed away in Brisbane's Wesley Hospital early this morning from cancer.

Bennett took leave from the reigning premiers earlier this week to be at his mother's bedside.

It is believed Bennett's assistant Steve Price will take charge of the team at Parramatta Stadium.

Price, who succeeds Newcastle-bound Bennett as head coach next season, has previously taken over the reins when the Dragons beat Wigan in the World Club Challenge in England in February.

Bennett had returned home on that occasion when his mother-in-law died.

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, wollongong-2500

First posted June 3, 2011 16:15:00

View the original article here