Wayne Bennett

Wayne Bennett is a well-known and highly respected professional rugby league coach and former player, whose motivation and passion to innovate rugby saw him become one of the most successful coaches in the NRL. His direct first-hand experience allows his presentations to be filled with a refreshing honesty, through the sharing of personal anecdotes that are guaranteed to have a lasting impact on his audience.

In 1976 Wayne began his coaching career in Ipswich, and later moved to Canberra where he coached the Raiders to their first ever Grand Final appearance (1976), which resulted in him being titled ‘Coach of the Year’. In 1998, he made history by becoming the first coach to steer his club, state and country to victory in their respective series. He was coach of the Brisbane Broncos for 21 years (1988-2008), leading the club to six Premierships. In 2006 he was titled ‘The Greatest Coach Ever’, as he coached the Broncos to the Rugby League Grand Final

After concluding training the Broncos, Wayne moved to New South Wales to coach the St George Dragons in 2009, and a year later took the team to their first NRL victory in 31 years, later leaving them as the reigning premiers.

In 2012, Bennett made the move to the Newcastle Knights, guiding, them to the semi-finals in 2013. Later making the switch back to the Broncos for the 2015 season, and finally coaching the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2019-2021.  Wayne can now be seen coaching the Redcliffe Dolphins since 2023.

Wayne has been recognised as one of the most influential and innovative coaches in Rugby, and in 2012 was inducted into the Australian Sport Hall of Fame. He is the longest serving coach of a single club with one of the best winning percentages, ranking second in the number of premierships won at an elite level as a coach.

In 1996 Wayne published his first book, ‘League’s A Lot Like Life’, and later co-wrote the book ‘Don’t Die with the Music in You’ with Australian journalist Steve Crawley, in 2007. He published a second book in 2009, ‘The Man in the Mirror’, recognising his triumphs and trials, and demonstrating his desire to change up the game and become one of the greatest coaches. Wayne has also written a weekly column in the national newspaper, ‘The Australian’.