What’s Behind the Wayne Selection? Concerns Grow Over Bennett’s PNG Strategy as Unexpected Contender Steps Forward

The speculation surrounding Wayne Bennett’s possible relocation to Papua New Guinea as the nation’s inaugural head coach has been heavily scrutinised by one of his former players.

The seven-time premiership-winning coach is in discussions regarding a role with the 19th franchise, set to enter the league for the 2028 season. This week, Bennett confirmed he has engaged in talks with NRL officials about potentially assuming the position.

Currently contracted with South Sydney for an additional two years, Bennett stated to News Corp that he has had conversations about the role and is keen to “assist the game” whenever he can.

“Yes, we’ve had discussions,” he remarked.

“I intend to evaluate where I stand and the situation in PNG. I have immense respect for Peter V’landys and am willing to assist the game if possible, but I won’t be making any decisions right now,” he added.

“I’m under contract for a few more years at Souths, so my focus is here at present, and we’ll see how things unfold.”

Nevertheless, Corey Parker has voiced doubts regarding the practicality of such a move—primarily due to Bennett’s current contract at Redfern and his advancing age.

“I need to address this,” Parker stated on SENQ Breakfast.

“Wayne is currently 75 years old. His contract with Souths runs until 2027.

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“By that time, he’ll be 77 years old, and we’re suggesting he’s the ideal choice to lead a new franchise? He would have to break his contract with Souths.

“Launching a new club at 78, why does it have to be Wayne Bennett? He has experience with various expansion teams – but at that age?

“I remember during my time under him [at the Broncos], he would sometimes doze off in team meetings. We’re talking about establishing a new franchise at 77.”

Parker, who played a significant part of his career under Bennett, was a member of the 2006 premiership-winning squad. Since then, Bennett has claimed one grand final victory in 2010 with the Dragons, while narrowly missing out with both the Broncos (2015) and Rabbitohs (2021).

Although there is clear interest from Bennett and NRL leadership regarding his involvement, Souths CEO Blake Solly has publicly stated that the club is not inclined to part ways with Bennett without a struggle. Given that the coach would require at least a year to prepare the roster and off-field activities, a move appears improbable at this stage.

No potential candidates for the PNG coaching role have surfaced yet, but there are several intriguing names if the Bennett scenario falls through.

Brad Arthur, an experienced coach, had varying success during his tenure at Parramatta, while others like Josh Hannay and Willie Peters could also be in the mix, albeit with less extensive first-grade experience.

However, the most fitting candidate for the role may well be Adrian Lam, who hails from Rabaul and has an impressive track record both as a player and a coach.

The 54-year-old represented the Kumuls during his time with the Sydney Roosters, subsequently completing his career in the Super League.

Since retiring, Lam has taken on numerous coaching roles and has excelled as a mentor in the UK league, leading the Wigan Warriors to a grand final in 2020, as well as guiding the Leigh Leopards to a poignant Challenge Cup victory in 2023—the club’s first major title in over 50 years.

The only potential obstacle for Lam assuming the PNG role might be his own contract, which extends until the conclusion of 2027.

This season, Leigh currently occupies the third position on the Super League table.

Additionally, Lam’s son Lachlan plays for the Leopards and has featured in 13 matches for the Kumuls.

The PNG expansion team recently announced their board of directors, which will be led by former Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib. Also joining the group is Melbourne Storm legend Marcus Bai.