Incoming Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has admitted he does miss coaching in the NRL but that he needed a year-long hiatus to recharge his batteries before the 2023 season.
Bennett will take the reigns of the NRL’s 17th club in 2023 as he looks to replicate what he achieved with the Brisbane Broncos in 1988.
The super coach, who has been at the helm for 886 matches, said that he missed the consistency that NRL coaching brings and the comradery that comes in a team environment.
“I do miss it,” Bennett said on SENQ’s Pat and Heals.
“I do miss the consistency of it and the routine of it and I just miss being around players.
“I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve done, even though there are some tough days and weeks, generally I’ve enjoyed so I’m looking forward to getting back (into coaching).
“I’m doing plenty just not coaching.
“I’m looking forward to coming back in November.”
Bennett was instrumental in the Broncos becoming a powerhouse in the NRL as he developed some of the greatest rugby league players of all time including Allan Langer and Darren Lockyer.
The 72-year-old is confident of the Dolphins' initial future in the competition as he believes the expansion club has more infrastructure behind it than the 1988 Broncos had in their early days.
“At the Broncos (in 1988) we had no facilities; none at all,” he said.
“Redcliffe has got a magnificent set-up out there. It’s unbelievable and it’s world-class.
“At Red Hill, we had a little change room over there and the showers were cold, we had no hot water and the ground was in terrible shape to train on.
“But I love the old change rooms because it has some culture there and some feeling about it.
“We will continue to improve (and create the culture at Redcliffe).”
The Dolphins will begin their pre-season training in November ahead of their entry to the NRL in 2023.