DATE: Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Announcement
The WOW Brisbane Broncos’ board has today announced they have accepted the resignation of coach Wayne Bennett, effective at the conclusion of season 2008.
Yesterday Wayne Bennett requested a meeting with the board of Brisbane Broncos Limited. Last night at that meeting, Wayne asked the board to accept his resignation, something the board reluctantly did.
While this development is tinged with sadness after Bennett’s long tenure in charge of the Broncos’ playing fortunes, managing director Bruno Cullen and chairman Darryl Somerville have this morning chosen to reflect on the fantastic contribution the coach has made to the club.
“Wayne has presided over not only six grand final wins from six appearances, but also numerous other honours including minor premierships, pre-season and mid-week competitions, and world club championships,” said Cullen.
“But perhaps his greatest achievement was his leading role in building the club up from scratch to establish a very highly-regarded sporting franchise, one that has few peers in this country.”
While Bennett had a contract with the Broncos until the end of 2009, Somerville said the board accepted Wayne’s reasoning for wanting to end the agreement early.
“Wayne has always told us he would know when the time was right for him to exit the club and he advised us last night that he believed that time was at the end of the 2008 season,” said Somerville.
“We respect that decision and thank him sincerely for what he has done and achieved for the club, and wish him well in the future.”
Cullen said the immediate task for the club now was to concentrate on having a successful year in the 2008 NRL premiership.
“With the season kicking off in just six weeks everyone at the club is determined to make sure we are not distracted from doing our absolute best in this year’s premiership,” said Cullen.
“With that in mind we will not be commenting further on this issue and we ask that the wishes of Wayne and the board are respected in that regard.”
For further information, please contact WOW Brisbane Broncos
Communications Manager, Trad McLean, on 07 3858 9106 or 0412 809 106.