Bennett goes to work at NRL Broncos

Wayne Bennett has hit the ground running upon his return to the Broncos, using his first day back at the NRL club to announce he will scrap the use of co-captains next season.

And Bennett made it clear he wanted Darius Boyd at the club, saying the Newcastle flyer would be his first choice fullback.

The seven-time premiership-winning mentor met Broncos staff and players on his first official day back on Monday, six years after the foundation coach walked away.

“I never thought the opportunity would come again – by my standards I am very excited,” said the poker-faced Bennett who coached at St George Illawarra (2009-11) and Newcastle (2012-14) before returning to Brisbane.

“One of the things that I learned while I have been away is that this is the most precious job in rugby league.

“The other two clubs I was at had their challenging moments.

“But I never felt the pressure there that I always did at the Broncos.

“It’s a challenge but one I am up for.”

Veterans Corey Parker and Justin Hodges shared the Brisbane captaincy this season.

Bennett, 64, said he still had not decided who would be the sole skipper in 2015.

“The one decision I have made is that there will be no co-captains,” he said.

Bennett said he would love to lure Boyd, who was poised to walk away from his final year at Newcastle after undergoing treatment at a mental health facility.

The master coach also confirmed he wanted Russell Packer at the club but was still having registration talks with the NRL.

Currently in jail for assault, Packer is eligible for release in January.

Bennett inherits a player list that features plenty of fullback talent, including Test centre Justin Hodges, who reignited Brisbane’s finals chances when he switched to the No.1 jersey.

But Bennett was adamant Boyd would be fullback if he returned.

“They all bring different things but Darius is the best of them all,” he said.

Bennett – who claimed six titles for Brisbane from 1992 to 2006 – said he believed he finally had the experience to handle the pressure of coaching the Broncos.

Bennett – currently on a three year deal – admitted Brisbane’s aura had gone and he intended to finish up his coaching career at Red Hill.

“Some of it (aura) has probably left the place a little bit but once the team plays to its potential it will come back,” he said.

“It’s my intention not to leave this club. I will finish up here. I’m back to stay.”

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