With apologies to Monty Python, Wayne Bennett is not the messiah.
Nor will he be a naughty boy it seems, thanks to an NRL clampdown on criticising referees.
But he will be enjoying his second coming as Broncos coach, if the lead-up to Thursday night’s NRL season opener against South Sydney is any guide.
Bennett once made Brisbane headlines in his early days at the Broncos helm after a camera snapped him smiling.
These days Bennett cuts a much more relaxed figure.
But he still pleasantly surprised media with a fun-loving display on match eve.
He even happily humoured a local radio identity dressed as Elmer Fudd who concluded the press conference by offering rabbit pies – they play the Rabbitohs, geddit – to a giggling Bennett.
Bennett hammed it up again when asked about the NRL’s ban on coaches criticising referees this season.
“I love that decision. It is going to save me money,” he laughed.
It is an approach that will no doubt help Bennett deal with the crushing pressure that comes with being Broncos coach again.
Foundation mentor Bennett guided Brisbane to a remarkable six titles before he walked away in 2008.
And he did not have to be told fans will soon be demanding title No.7 upon his return.
But asked what he thought of being considered the “messiah” by fans, Bennett said with a wry grin: “My favourite line is that as soon as you start listening to the fans it won’t be long before you start sitting with them.
“I appreciate Broncos fans but I can’t listen to any of that stuff.
“I have a job. I know what I have to do.
“I have a clear focus.”
Indeed the much-worshipped Bennett sounded very mortal indeed ahead of the NRL season opener.
“I still have nerves. I have never not felt pressure here,” he said.
“It just goes with the job, and it will be there again (Thursday night) – I know that.
“But I weighed that up before deciding to come back here.
“I will manage it. It is not something I fear.”
Bennett also warned fans not to expect miracles against the reigning NRL premiers.
Even the Bennett factor has not been able to take bookies’ favouritism away from South Sydney, who claimed the Auckland Nines, Charity Shield and World Club Challenge in the pre-season.
“I am just looking for a performance where we can say ‘okay we are on the right path, we are building something’,” Bennett said of the Suncorp Stadium clash.
“The result is not going to make or break us.”
It seems Broncos fans will just have to learn how to enjoy the ride – like Bennett.
