WED 16 JUl 2014
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Turn over for your entertainment guide
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Trades & Services Need help at your place this weekend? p.24-28
Bennett opts out Knights coach cuts contract short after being “embarrassed” by results PAUL MONFORTE
King Buzzo Live and solo at the Small Ballroom
Whitebridge development update p.5
NRL season 2014 Knights ready to Rise For Alex p.35
T
he Knights’ search for a new coach is on in earnest after Wayne Bennett announced he will cut short his four-year contract with the club and depart at the end of the 2014 season. Bennett said he had been “embarrassed” by results this season, his third in charge of the Knights. “If I was in my first year here, or my second year, it might have been different,” Bennett said. “But it’s my third year now and I’m most disappointed in what we’ve done. “I think it’s time to give someone else an opportunity to come in and show what they can do. Current NSW Cup coach, Rick Stone is sure to figure prominently in discussions for another chance at the top job after taking over from Brian Smith late in 2009 and continuing on through the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Others in the mix include NSW State of Origin mentor, Laurie Daley, former Canberra and North Queensland coach, Neil Henry, current Knights halves coach, Kevin Walters and Garth Brennan, currently in charge of Penrith’s NSW Cup but who has coached extensively in the Newcastle lower grades. While Bennett denied having spoken to any rival club about coaching in 2015, St George Illawarra looms as a strong possibility having sacked Steve Price earlier in the season and not yet extending the contract of caretaker Paul McGregor. There have also been suggestions Bennett would be interested in a coaching director role at the
Knights coach Wayne Bennett announces his decision to leave the club at the end of this season Broncos. Bennett spoke openly to the media last week when announcing his decision and said he accepted full responsibility for the disappointing results this season despite several major distractions, such as the jailing of Russell Packer and the injury to Alex McKinnon being essentially out of his control. “I didn’t expect us to be leading the competition with everything that has gone on, but I didn’t expect us to be where we are,” he said. “I believe it will take a number of years to
reach an acceptable position and that is what I am unable to commit to. A longer term coach is crucial for future success.” Knights CEO, Matt Gidley said the club would not rush into appointing a new coach and would follow a systematic process to find the best person for the job. “It’s a relief that the speculation is now over,” Gidley said. “It seems like there has been speculation around Wayne’s role from the moment he arrived.”
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