The most in-demand coach in rugby league, Wayne Bennett, has signed on the dotted line to spend four years with the Newcastle Knights. The master coach, who's won seven premierships, says his decision was swayed by the passion and vision of the club's new owner, Nathan Tinkler.
Once Bennett declared his intention to leave the Dragons at the end of this year, speculation was rife about which club he'd choose.After the 61-year-old decided not to return to Brisbane, Souths and the Knights were considered the front-runners, and it's believed he knocked back a big-money offer from the Rabbitohs to make the move to Newcastle.
In a statement released by the Tinkler Sports Group, Bennett said his decision was based on the vision and passion of Nathan Tinkler, combined with the lifestyle offered by Newcastle and the Hunter.
He said when he sat down with the Knights' new owner he was struck by Tinkler's passion for, and knowledge of, rugby league.
"Private ownership appeals to me, I like it," Bennett says.
"This guy wants to take Newcastle to another level.
"He wants our game to capture the imagination of the Hunter like never before, for the Knights to be the benchmark of rugby league in this country.
"That is the type of challenge that appeals to me.
"The Knights have already won two premierships and have been a great club despite struggling with their finances, and that's where Nathan Tinkler comes in."
Bennett added that the country NSW lifestyle appeals to him, after living happily in Wollongong while coaching the Dragons and in Queanbeyan with the Raiders in 1987.
As for current Knights' coach Rick Stone, Bennett hopes he will remain at the club so the pair can work together.
Tinkler Sports Group executive chairman, Ken Edwards, says the news is a massive win for the community and the Knights.
"This is a major step for the region as we continue to build community pride and above all, further expand the club's existing policy to provide a pathway for all juniors to have the opportunity to play for the Knights," he says.
"What excites everyone at the club is Wayne's commitment to work closely with the Newcastle Rugby League, to ensure that a professional structure is in place for young player development and a full program for local coaches.
"This is a genuine revolution for everyone involved in rugby league, from Newcastle up to the Queensland border."
The CEO of the Tinkler Sports Group, Troy Palmer, praised the job being done by the Knights' current head coach, Rick Stone.
"It is business as usual, and Rick and his team will be given everything needed to achieve the very best possible outcome for the Knights this season," Troy says.
"Rick has done and is doing an outstanding job with the NRL team, and has developed a strong culture throughout the club.
"Wayne will sit down with Rick in the near future to discuss an ongoing relationship."
Wayne Bennett will begin his stint as head coach of the Newcastle Knights on November 1 this year.
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