Wayne Bennett stands down

In the aftermath of Australia?s recent Tri-Nations defeat at the hands of New Zealand, Wayne Bennett has resigned from his post as national coach despite support from within the ARL that his job was safe.

Bennett, who assumed the role for the past two years following the departure of Chris Anderson, became the first Australian coach in 27 years to lose a tournament or series whilst at the helm of the Kangaroos.

Following on from the loss to the Kiwis, Bennett dodged media on his arrival to Australia amid the impending fall-out from the defeat and ructions among the players suggesting the teetotaller coach was too strict on the player?s behaviour whilst on tour. This comes as a surprise considering the scandals involving players over the past three years have invariably been alcohol-related.

It wasn?t all bad news for Bennett though, he has just penned a four-year extension with the Broncos that will see him remain as head coach at Brisbane until at least the end of 2009.